A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North-West state constituency, Hon. Dawood Olalere Al-Ameen, has called on the state government to make drug test a mandatory part of the recruitment process for prospective government employees.
The call was contained in a motion he moved during the plenary session on Tuesday.
He specifically mentioned prospective teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officers, including those in the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and Amotekun among those needed to be tested for drugs.
Hon. Al-Amen said that the motion is a move aimed at preventing individuals with substance abuse issues from being employed in sensitive positions, particularly in the education, healthcare, and security sectors.
The lawmaker commended the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde in strengthening the education sector especially with the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers and 600 education officers during his first administration.
Hon. Olalere, however, highlighted the potential risks associated with employing individuals who may be addicted to prohibited substances.
“Some candidates may have certain dispositions and habits that might not be easily detected through standard oral interviews.
“Among these dispositions is the potential addiction to prohibited substances, which could impair judgment and lead to misbehavior.
“The tests should screen for substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and tramadol, among others. Institutionalizing drug testing will enhance the integrity of the workforce, improve security, and protect the interests of the state,” the lawmaker said.
Meanwhile, the House in its resolution, urged the government to collaborate with relevant agencies to mandate drugs test for prospective applicants during recruitment processes across all sectors.
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