FG has revealed 7 costly mistakes that could stop Nigerians from getting public service jobs.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has identified seven common mistakes that could deny Nigerians the opportunity to secure public service jobs, urging job seekers to strictly adhere to official recruitment procedures and steer clear of fraudulent schemes.
The warning was contained in a public awareness advisory published on Tuesday by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) on its official website.
According to the commission, many applicants unknowingly reduce their chances of success by failing to follow recruitment guidelines, submitting inaccurate information, or relying on unofficial sources for vacancy announcements.
The FCC listed the seven common mistakes as:
- Applying through unverified sources.
- Paying someone to secure a government job.
- Ignoring application requirements.
- Missing application deadlines.
- Providing incorrect information.
- Failing to prepare beyond the application stage.
- Assuming every advertised job opportunity is genuine.
The commission warned Nigerians against depending on unofficial websites, social media posts, and forwarded messages for recruitment information, noting that fraudsters frequently create fake recruitment portals and advertisements to exploit unsuspecting job seekers.
It advised applicants to verify every recruitment announcement through recognised government platforms before submitting applications or personal information.
The FCC also cautioned Nigerians against paying individuals who claim they can influence government recruitment exercises or guarantee employment.
“Applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting payment or claiming they can guarantee employment, and they are encouraged to report suspicious recruitment activities through appropriate channels,” the commission stated.
The agency stressed that while concerns about fairness in recruitment should be taken seriously, employment into federal institutions follows established procedures, and anyone collecting money or attempting to manipulate the process is acting illegally.
The commission further urged applicants to carefully study eligibility requirements, including educational qualifications, age limits, professional certifications, work experience, and required documents before submitting applications.
It also advised candidates not to wait until the closing days of recruitment exercises, warning that late applications could result in incomplete submissions or missed deadlines.
On the importance of accuracy, the FCC said applicants should thoroughly review their personal details, qualifications, and contact information before completing their applications, as errors could affect verification and eligibility.
The commission also encouraged candidates to prepare adequately for aptitude tests, interviews, and other assessment stages after submitting their applications instead of assuming the recruitment process ends with the application.
It reiterated that not every job vacancy advertised online is authentic, warning applicants to avoid opportunities that promise guaranteed employment, demand payment before processing applications, or create unnecessary urgency.
Clarifying its mandate, the FCC explained that it does not recruit staff into federal ministries, departments, or agencies. Rather, recruitment is carried out by the respective institutions, while the commission ensures compliance with the Federal Character Principle as provided under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The commission added that it operates a recruitment portal on its website where verified vacancies from federal institutions can be published, enabling Nigerians to access authentic job opportunities before proceeding to the recruiting institution’s official application platform.
The FCC urged all job seekers to verify recruitment sources, carefully read application requirements, avoid anyone demanding payment, provide accurate information, and apply only through official channels to improve their chances of securing legitimate government employment.
