FG Issues Ultimatum to Tertiary Institutions Violating Federal Character Principle in Staff Recruitment

In a stern warning issued by the federal government, tertiary institutions across Nigeria face the threat of sanctions for disregarding the federal character principle in staff recruitment processes.

The Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr. Chuks Okoli, delivered this message on Thursday in Abuja through an official statement.

Expressing concern over the observed trend, Dr. Okoli emphasized the mandatory nature of applying the federal character principle in staff recruitment, as stipulated by Section 14 (B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Highlighting the Commission’s role in ensuring equity, fairness, and justice, Dr. Okoli reiterated that some federal tertiary institutions have been conducting recruitment exercises without consulting the FCC, which is entrusted with overseeing compliance with the federal character principle.

He clarified that the circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) did not exempt federal tertiary institutions from adhering to the Federal Character Principle.

Dr. Okoli emphasized the necessity for strict adherence to FCC guidelines outlined in the commission’s handbook during recruitment processes. He warned that any individual, government agency, or federal tertiary institution found to be non-compliant with FCC’s recruitment guidelines would face legal consequences.

In closing, he stressed that any recruitment conducted without abiding by FCC’s guidelines and principles would constitute an offense punishable under Section 15 of the relevant act.