Army Recruitment: Concern as poor turnout mars screening in Oyo

The ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment screening exercise in Oyo State has recorded a critically low turnout, with only 472 out of the 941 shortlisted candidates reporting for the process.

This means nearly 50% of the selected applicants failed to appear, prompting severe concern from the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

Reacting, the FCC warned that the poor participation could affect efforts aimed at ensuring equitable representation in federal recruitment processes.

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 the lackadaisical attitude of many applicants towards the exercise.

According to him, only 472 out of the 941 candidates shortlisted for the screening exercise reported at the venue, despite the figure already being considered inadequate for a state of Oyo’s size and population.

He urged applicants whose documents required corrections or updates to take immediate steps to regularise them, advising candidates to liaise with their parents and guardians to obtain the necessary original documents.

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

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

He warned that candidates who failed to provide the required documentation risked disqualification from the recruitment exercise.

The FCC Commissioner further 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, 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.

Alashinloye said, while government agencies continued 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,” Alashinloye stated.

He also charged 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.