YOBE GRADUATES DEMAND TRANSPARENT RECRUITMENT INTO STATE CIVIL SERVICE

 A group of unemployed graduates in Yobe State has called for greater transparency in the state’s civil service 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 studies and, in some cases, the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme.

One of them, Hassan Umar Gadaka, said he graduated about four years ago and had completed his NYSC programme but was yet to secure government employment. He said tailoring had become his main source of income while searching for work.

Another graduate, Yahaya Badamasi, who holds a master’s degree and has more than 20 years of teaching experience, also said he was yet to secure a state government appointment.

The graduates urged the government to publicly advertise vacancies, clearly state 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 platforms and other widely accessible channels to ensure that eligible applicants are aware of available opportunities.

However, the Head of Information in the Office of the Head of Service, Alhassan Sule Mamudo, rejected the allegations of political patronage.

Mamudo said the state government was following the appropriate procedures in making appointments and was committed to transparency. He added that the government also considers vulnerable groups, including orphans, where necessary.

The graduates maintained that their demand was not for automatic employment but for an open process in which qualified candidates could compete for available positions.