By Our Reporter
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has expressed deep concern over the low turnout of shortlisted candidates for the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment screening exercise in Oyo State.
The commission warned that poor participation could severely hinder efforts to ensure equitable representation for the state within federal institutions.
Speaking with journalists during a monitoring exercise at the 2 Mechanised Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Military Cantonment in Ibadan, the FCC Commissioner representing Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, lamented what he described as a lackadaisical attitude among many applicants.
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According to Prince Aleshinloye, only 472 out of the 941 candidates shortlisted for the screening exercise reported to the venue. He noted that even the initial shortlist of 941 was already considered inadequate given Oyo State’s large size and population.
In addition to the low attendance, the Commissioner highlighted widespread issues regarding document compliance among those who did show up. He disclosed that more than half of the shortlisted candidates failed to present their original credentials, while several others had discrepancies in their paperwork that required rectification.
Prince Aleshinloye warned that candidates who fail to provide the necessary documentation risk outright disqualification from the recruitment exercise.
He urged applicants whose documents require corrections or updates to take immediate steps to regularize them, advising candidates to liaise closely with their parents and guardians to obtain all necessary original documents.
To prevent future shortfalls, the FCC Commissioner called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government chairmen, and other community stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns about the recruitment process, particularly at the grassroots level, ensuring that young people do not miss out on vital federal opportunities.
