By BUSHRAH YUSUF-BADMUS

The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has shortlisted 1,800 applicants for teaching appointments in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commission?s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onile, made available to newsmen in Ilorin.

Onile said that the shortlisted applicants emerged from a screening exercise, which included computer based test, and interviews spanning over three months.

"The shortlisted comprises 790 (44%) for STEM subjects; 581 for core subjects; 370 for specialised subjects; and 59 for technical subjects.

"They will be assigned to senior secondary schools across the 16 local government areas of the state in line with the needs assessment of the commission,? he said.

Onile advised applicants who appeared for the interviews to check their status on the portal, adding ?those shortlisted will undergo a mandatory drug test to ascertain their suitability to teach children.

"The drug test will be carried out by the NDLEA and will be coordinated by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drugs Abuse, Prevention and Control, Hon. Mukail Aileru.

"The test will begin on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and end on Saturday April 12, 2025. Shortlisted candidates from Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, and Patigi are slated for Wednesday.

"Those from Ekiti, Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin will be tested on Thursday, April 10; Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, and Moro are slated for Friday, April 11, while the candidates from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Ilorin West are to have theirs on Saturday.

"The drug test certificates will be sent to the commission by the NDLEA as no candidate is allowed to access it on their own to curb altering,? he said.

The official said that successful applicants would also sign a bond not to seek transfer for six years, a policy response to the dearth of teachers in rural areas.

?Shortlisted applicants are to also come with medical certificates from any state government hospital as well as the original copies of their credentials for documentation, during which they will be required to drop photocopies of same for record purposes.

?They will also submit handwritten letters of acceptance of the job offer, while other conditions of service will be spelt out during the documentation process,? Onile added. (NAN)

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