The Oyo State House of Assembly has canvassed mandatory drug test for prospective civil servants.

The motion, moved at plenary yesterday by the lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency, Dauda Olalere Al-Ameen, stressed the need to prevent individuals with substance abuse issues from assuming sensitive roles in the state’s public service.

The proposal, which was thoroughly debated by lawmakers, specifically targets employees in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and security.

The House underscored the importance of ensuring that the workforce remains free from drug-related impairments, which could compromise judgment, efficiency, and overall service delivery.

While presenting the motion, the sponsored explained: “Some candidates may have certain habits or dispositions that aren’t easily detected through standard oral interviews. Among these is the potential addiction to prohibited substance, which could impair their judgment and lead to misconduct.”

The House acknowledged Governor Seyi Makinde’s notable achievements in the education sector, particularly the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers and 600 education officers during his first term.

However, the lawmakers highlighted the need for additional measures to ensure that individuals entrusted with such critical roles are not struggling with drug addiction.

In its resolution, the Assembly urged the state government to work with relevant agencies to introduce drug testing as a prerequisite for recruitment across all sectors. Special attention was given to roles such as teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officers, including members of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the Amotekun Corps.