Army screening exercise in Oyo State has drawn concern from the Federal Character Commission (FCC) following the low turnout of shortlisted applicants participating in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment process.
The FCC Commissioner in Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, expressed dissatisfaction over the number of candidates who have reported for the screening exercise despite being successfully shortlisted.
According to Aleshinloye, the poor attendance could negatively affect the state’s representation in the recruitment process and reduce opportunities for eligible youths seeking careers in the Nigerian Army. He urged all shortlisted candidates to take the exercise seriously and ensure they complete the required stages before the deadline.
The commissioner emphasized that recruitment into the Nigerian Army remains an important avenue for employment, national service, and career development for young Nigerians. He also encouraged community leaders, parents, and local authorities to help spread awareness and mobilize qualified candidates across Oyo State.
Aleshinloye further stressed the importance of equal participation among states in federal recruitment exercises, noting that failure to participate could result in available slots being allocated elsewhere.
He called on all affected applicants to report promptly and comply with all screening requirements to avoid disqualification.
According to him, only 472 out of the 941 candidates shortlisted from Oyo State reported for screening, a development he described as disappointing and detrimental to the state’s chances of securing its fair share of recruitment slots.
He noted that the number of shortlisted candidates allocated to Oyo State was already inadequate considering the state’s population and strategic importance, adding that the poor response from applicants further worsened the situation.
The FCC commissioner also expressed concern over the number of candidates who arrived at the screening venue without the required original credentials and supporting documents.
“More than half of the shortlisted candidates failed to present their original credentials, while several others had discrepancies in their documents that required correction,” he said.
Aleshinloye advised applicants with incomplete or incorrect documentation to make the necessary adjustments to their records and obtain the required original documents from their parents or guardians to avoid disqualification.
He warned that candidates who fail to meet the documentation requirements risk being screened out of the recruitment process.
The commissioner further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government chairmen, and community stakeholders across Oyo State to intensify awareness campaigns on recruitment opportunities, particularly among youths in rural communities.
He stressed the need for greater grassroots sensitisation to ensure that eligible candidates do not miss opportunities in future military, paramilitary, and police recruitment exercises.
Reaffirming the Federal Character Commission’s commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in federal recruitment processes, Aleshinloye said the commission would continue to monitor recruitment exercises to ensure compliance with the principles of federal character.
He further maintained that applicants also have a responsibility to fulfil all screening requirements and participate fully in the recruitment process.
“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,” he said.
Aleshinloye urged youths across the state to be proactive and take advantage of future recruitment opportunities offered by the military, paramilitary agencies, and the Nigeria Police Force.