The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has assured Nigerians that no state will be denied its fair share of employment opportunities in the Federal Public Service under the federal character principle.
The FCC Executive Chairman, Mrs Ayo Omidiran, gave the assurance in Enugu on Thursday during a youth enlightenment programme attended by thousands of youths from across the state.
The programme, convened by the FCC Commissioner representing Enugu State, Hon. Peter Eze, was organised under the theme, “Beyond Quotas: Unlocking Opportunities for Enugu Youths Through the Federal Character Commission.”
Omidiran said the commission would not allow government agencies to divert the employment quota of one state to another.
According to her, the FCC was working to widen access to federal employment by encouraging more government agencies to publicly advertise vacancies.
“The Federal Character Commission has widened the opportunity gap. What we have done is to make opportunities for everyone closer,” she said.
“We have decided that more and more agencies should advertise when they have vacancies for employment.”
Omidiran said Nigeria had qualified people capable of performing various jobs across all parts of the country, adding that recruitment processes should be opened to a wider pool of applicants.
She urged young Nigerians to apply for advertised vacancies instead of assuming that such opportunities had already been reserved for people with connections.
“Do not say they are giving it to their children. We are making it open for everybody to apply. Apply,” she said.
She added that the major challenge was not a shortage of talent but the creation of credible pathways through which talent could be converted into productivity, innovation, employment and prosperity.
Earlier, Eze challenged the belief that federal government jobs were usually shared before they were advertised.
He warned youths against paying individuals who claim they can secure government jobs for them.
Eze said the programme was designed to provide information about employment opportunities in the Federal Public Service and other government institutions.
“There are over 700 Federal Government ministries, departments, agencies, commissions and other establishments providing employment and other opportunities across the country,” he said.
He added that the FCC had a constitutional and statutory responsibility to promote equitable representation and ensure compliance with the federal character principle across federal institutions.
Eze said misinformation and the belief that advertised vacancies had already been allocated had discouraged many qualified applicants from applying.
“You can barely get an opportunity you do not apply for,” he said.
He urged job seekers not to disqualify themselves through fear or misinformation and advised them to report anyone demanding payment for a legitimate government job.
“You do not need to buy a job; you need to prepare yourself,” Eze said.
“Anyone asking you to pay for a legitimate government job is asking you to participate in an illegal act and should be reported through the appropriate channels.”
He acknowledged that not everyone could be accommodated in the public service but urged youths to take advantage of legitimate opportunities available through federal institutions.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who delivered the keynote speech, and Senator Emmanuel Onwe from Ebonyi State, who served as one of the resource persons.
No State Must Be Shortchanged on Federal Jobs – FCC Assures Nigerians
