The ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment screening exercise in Oyo State has recorded a disappointing turnout, prompting the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to express concern over the low participation by shortlisted candidates.
The commission warned that the poor response could undermine efforts to ensure equitable representation in federal recruitment, revealing that only 472 of the 941 shortlisted applicants reported for the screening exercise in the state.
Speaking with journalists while monitoring the exercise at the 2 Mechanized Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Military Cantonment, Ibadan, the FCC Commissioner representing Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, described the turnout as unsatisfactory for a state with Oyo’s population and size.
He attributed the situation to what he termed a lackadaisical attitude among many applicants, urging prospective recruits to take future recruitment opportunities more seriously.
According to him, the commission was particularly concerned because the number of shortlisted candidates was already considered inadequate, yet only about half eventually appeared for the screening.
Aleshinloye also disclosed that many candidates who reported for the exercise arrived without the required documentation, creating avoidable setbacks in the screening process.
He said more than half of those present failed to produce their original credentials, while several others presented documents containing discrepancies that required correction before they could proceed.
The FCC commissioner advised candidates whose records needed updating to immediately regularize their documentation by working with their parents or guardians to obtain the necessary original certificates and supporting documents.
He warned that applicants who failed to provide the required documentation risked being disqualified from the recruitment exercise.
The commissioner further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government chairmen and other community stakeholders to intensify grassroots awareness campaigns on military recruitment opportunities to ensure that eligible youths do not miss future exercises.
He reiterated the Federal Character Commission’s commitment to promoting fairness, equity and inclusiveness in federal recruitment, stressing that while government agencies remained committed to providing equal opportunities for all states, applicants also had a responsibility to comply with all recruitment 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 said.
He also encouraged young people across Oyo State to remain proactive by taking advantage of future recruitment opportunities in the Nigerian Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies and the Nigeria Police Force through full participation at every stage of the selection process.
