The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) recruitment exercise has stirred reactions after multiple applicants were disqualified over medical and physical conditions including bow legs, flat feet, and not meeting height requirements.
Information obtained from the Police Service Commission (PSC) recruitment portal shows official result notifications issued to candidates who participated in the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise. The notices state that affected applicants “did not meet the minimum benchmark required for further consideration” following credential verification and physical screening.
Several disqualification reasons were listed across different candidates. These include “Physical Evaluation Failed – Bow Legs,” “Physical Evaluation Failed – Flat Feet,” and “Under Height.” Others were rejected over “Over Age,” “Discrepancies in date of birth,” and academic shortcomings such as “D7 in English.”
In each case, the PSC maintained that the recruitment process strictly follows merit-based quotas and performance standards. “As a result, your participation in the current recruitment process ends with effect from this notice,” one of the notifications read.
The development has triggered mixed reactions among applicants, particularly those disqualified on medical grounds. While some candidates expressed frustration over the strict physical requirements, others noted that such standards are consistent with paramilitary recruitment criteria.
The NPF, through the PSC, has long maintained physical and medical benchmarks as part of its selection process, aimed at ensuring operational fitness of recruits. Conditions such as bow legs and flat feet are typically assessed during screening due to their potential impact on mobility, endurance, and long-term field performance.
Despite the backlash, the Commission reiterated its commitment to a transparent and standardised recruitment system. “The Police Service Commission maintains strict adherence to merit-based quotas and performance standards,” the notice added, thanking applicants for their interest in serving the nation.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the 2025 recruitment exercise is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, with emphasis on both academic qualifications and physical fitness as core eligibility criteria.
