YOBE GRADUATES DEMAND TRANSPARENCY IN STATE RECRUITMENT

A group of unemployed graduates in Yobe State has called for greater transparency in the state’s recruitment process, alleging that political connections influence access to government jobs.

The graduates, who spoke to Arewa PUNCH, said some qualified applicants had remained unemployed for years despite completing their university education and, in some cases, the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme.

One of the graduates, Hassan Umar Gadaka, said he completed his studies about four years ago and had also finished his NYSC programme but was yet to secure government employment. He said he had turned to tailoring as a means of livelihood while searching for a job.

Another graduate, Yahaya Badamasi, who holds a master’s degree and has more than two decades of teaching experience, also said he had yet to secure a state government appointment.

The graduates urged the government to publicly advertise available positions, provide clear eligibility requirements and allow qualified applicants to compete based on their qualifications and experience.

They also called for recruitment information to be published through official government channels and other accessible platforms so that eligible applicants can participate in the process.

However, the Head of Information in the Office of the Head of Service, Alhassan Sule Mamudo, rejected the allegations of political patronage. He said the state government follows established procedures in making appointments and remains committed to transparency.

Mamudo also said the government considers vulnerable groups, including orphans, where necessary.

The graduates maintained that their demand was not for automatic employment but for a recruitment system in which qualified candidates have a fair opportunity to compete for available positions.