The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has emphasized the importance of applying the principles of federal character in the recruitment processes of all Federal Tertiary Institutions to uphold equity, fairness, and justice.
In a statement released by Chuks Okoli, the Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the FCC, this directive was reiterated on Wednesday in Abuja.
Okoli highlighted that the mandatory application of this principle aligns with Section 14 (B) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The FCC expressed concern over the observed trend where some Federal Tertiary Institutions are conducting staff recruitment without involving the FCC, which is entrusted with the mandate of ensuring equity, fairness, and justice in such procedures.
He pointed out that the commission’s mandate was to enforce the federal character principle, which is aimed at ensuring fair and equitable distribution of posts and of socio-economic amenities, and infrastructural facilities amongst the federating units nationwide.
“The circular from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation did not say that Federal Tertiary Institutions should not comply with the Federal Character Principle.
“Therefore, all the Federal Character Commission guidelines must be strictly adhered to by any recruiting Federal Tertiary Institution. For the avoidance of doubt, please refer to the Commission’s handbook.
“Any person, MDA or Federal Tertiary Institution that carries out recruitment without abiding by the Federal Character Commission’s recruitment guideline and principle shall be committing an offence under Section 14, punishable under Section 15 of the Act.
“National Universities Commission (NUC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), all Heads of Federal Institutions and other relevant authorities are to please, take note,” Okoli said.
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