The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has reiterated the Commission’s stance on upholding merit in all recruitment exercises into federal establishments, stating that the principle of federal character will not be used as an excuse to compromise quality.

Speaking on Thursday, 14th August 2025, during an interactive meeting with the Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, and her management team, Oladele emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in federal recruitment processes.

“The Federal Character Commission under my watch would not compromise merit, it would not step down merit in place of the federal character principle. We are not de-marketing merit, we shall always promote merit in all the recruitment exercises of Ministries, Agencies and Departments,” he said.

Since assuming office a few weeks ago, Oladele has been noted for his strong leadership approach and commitment to the Commission’s mandate. He commended the Director General of NOTAP for her willingness to work with the Commission, describing her collaborative approach as key to promoting peace and unity in the country.

According to him, such cooperation is necessary to address the observed lopsidedness in the nominal rolls of some agencies. He urged NOTAP to ensure that anomalies in recruitment are corrected in future exercises.

“The Federal Character Commission is committed to ensuring fairness and equitable distribution of posts, infrastructural facilities, and socioeconomic amenities among the federating units nationwide,” Oladele stated. He pledged the Commission’s support to NOTAP in achieving equitable manpower distribution.

Oladele also issued a strong warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that deliberately flout the constitutionally laid down guidelines for recruitment.

He said, “The Federal Character Commission is a powerful establishment with enormous powers to prosecute any erring MDAs. We have the powers to recruit for agencies; there is no power greater than the constitutional power, and the Federal Character Commission is empowered by the constitution. Therefore, let us collaborate and do our work as required to ensure fairness and justice in the country. This would reduce agitation to the barest minimal.”

Highlighting the importance of equitable distribution in national stability, Oladele noted, “When people get what they want and we continue to promote fairness, transparency, and equitable distribution of resources by ensuring that no state or individual is marginalized, which is one of the agendas of Mr. President’s renewed hope, agitations will reduce and there will be peace.”

In response, the Director General of NOTAP, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, expressed appreciation to the Acting Executive Chairman for the invitation to the meeting, which she described as an opportunity for more sensitization.

She promised to follow the Commission’s advice and uphold the principle of federal character in all future recruitment exercises.

“Today, this meeting is a purpose-driven one, which marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of our core mandates as government organizations,” Dr. Amadiobi said.

She assured that NOTAP would always carry the Federal Character Commission along in its recruitment processes, reinforcing the shared goal of ensuring fairness and equal opportunity across all regions of the country.

The Industrial Training Fund has refuted claims suggesting an alleged plan to move its headquarters from Jos, Plateau State, to Abuja.

In a statement released on Friday, the Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, clarified that there is no proposal to relocate the headquarters. According to him, “There is no proposed relocation of the ITF headquarters from Jos, despite the Honourable Member’s claims.”

The clarification followed a resolution passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly during its plenary on Thursday, rejecting the alleged relocation plan. The House, led by Speaker Naanlong Daniel, unanimously agreed that such a move would negatively affect the state’s economy and cultural heritage.

The resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance raised by Theodore Bala Maiyaki, representing Quaan-Pan South Constituency. The lawmaker argued that relocating the ITF headquarters could undermine Plateau State’s position as a key centre for industrial training and economic growth.

In its statement, the ITF stressed its longstanding connection to Jos, noting that the headquarters was moved from Lagos to the city in 1976.

“The ITF deeply values its longstanding historical ties and socio-economic contributions to Plateau State, which have been integral to its identity since 1976,” the statement read.

The Fund further assured that neither its management, governing council, nor the supervising ministry had discussed or considered the relocation. It also pledged openness to discussions with the Plateau State government and other stakeholders to resolve any concerns.

“The Fund welcomes dialogue with the state government and relevant stakeholders to address concerns and strengthen collaborative efforts for mutual benefit,” it said.

Calling for calm, the ITF urged Nigerians to ignore any speculation about moving its headquarters. “In light of the above, the ITF reaffirms its commitment to its heritage and responsibilities in Jos and urges the public to disregard rumours of relocation as unfounded and misleading,” the statement concluded.

This public clarification comes as interest grows around federal agency locations, with attention on how such moves could influence regional economies and job opportunities.

Friday, 15th August 2025 – The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced plans to decentralise police recruitment ahead of the 2025 exercise.

This decision follows a meeting held yesterday, August 14, 2025, in Abuja with representatives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The move will give state recruitment desk officers key roles in the process.

According to the Commission, all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Character Commission, will have access to the recruitment portal.

This, it explained, is to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and prevent corruption and nepotism.

The Commission revealed that its newly acquired recruitment portal, designed for both the hiring of its staff and all categories of police officers, is now ready for use. This portal will be deployed during recruitment periods to ensure efficiency and fairness.

Yesterday’s consultative meeting was the first of its kind with officers in charge of recruitment from all the states and the FCT. The session focused on improving and consolidating a more transparent, accountable, and equitable recruitment system across Nigeria.

To make this possible, the Commission will dedicate the new portal to managing both its personnel recruitment and that of the Nigeria Police.

It also confirmed that future police recruitments will be done exclusively through the Commission’s portal, with state officers playing significant roles in the selection process.

The Commission stated that the portal will be activated immediately once preparations for the 2025 recruitment exercise are complete.

Speaking on the development, Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) mni, said, “The Commission is happy to partner with the State Desk Officers who are the immediate beneficiaries of Police recruitment to ensure that the interests of all parties are protected.”

He added, “We will continue to do our best to give the nation a Police Force it will be proud of.”

The Commission urged members of the public to take note of the new process and prepare for the upcoming recruitment, which will now be handled with enhanced transparency and fairness.