Low turnout mars Nigerian Army recruitment screening in Oyo

By Adeola Badru

The Nigerian Army’s ongoing recruitment screening in Oyo State has attracted a low number of shortlisted candidates, prompting concern from the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

The FCC warned that the poor turnout could undermine efforts to achieve equitable representation in federal recruitment, noting that only 472 of the 941 candidates who were shortlisted appeared for the screening in the state.

During a monitoring exercise at the 2 Mechanised Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Military Cantonment in Ibadan, FCC Commissioner for Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, expressed disappointment at what he described as a lackadaisical attitude among many applicants.

He said that only 472 of the 941 shortlisted candidates reported to the venue, a figure he considered inadequate for a state of Oyo’s size and population.

Aleshinloye urged applicants whose documents required corrections or updates to regularise them immediately, advising candidates to work with their parents and guardians to obtain the necessary original documents.

He noted that a significant number of applicants arrived at the screening centre without complete documentation.

Aleshinloye disclosed that more than half of the shortlisted candidates failed to present their original credentials, while several others had discrepancies in their documents that needed rectification.

He warned that candidates who did not provide the required documentation risked disqualification from the recruitment exercise.

The FCC Commissioner called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government chairmen and other community stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns about the recruitment process, especially at the grassroots level, to ensure that young people do not miss future opportunities.

He reiterated the Federal Character Commission’s commitment to promoting fairness, equity and inclusiveness in federal recruitment exercises across the country.

Aleshinloye said that while government agencies continue to provide equal opportunities for all states and groups, applicants must also fulfil their responsibilities by complying with screening requirements.

“When opportunities are provided in the spirit of fairness and equity, applicants must also do the right thing by presenting themselves and meeting all necessary requirements,” Aleshinloye stated.

He also urged young people across the state to remain proactive and take full advantage of future recruitment opportunities in the military, paramilitary services and the police by participating diligently at every stage of the process.