The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of federal character in staff recruitment within all federal tertiary institutions. This directive aims to ensure equity, fairness, and justice in the recruitment process.

In a statement released by FCC’s Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Chuks Okoli, on Wednesday in Abuja, it was highlighted that applying the federal character principle is not only mandatory but also aligned with Section 14 (B) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The FCC expressed concern over the observed disregard by some federal tertiary institutions in involving the commission, which is responsible for ensuring fairness and equity in such recruitment exercises.

The commission’s core mandate is to enforce the federal character principle, which aims to achieve a balanced and equitable distribution of positions, socio-economic amenities, and infrastructure among the various units of the federation.

While clarifying the issue, Okoli pointed out that the circular from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation did not exempt federal tertiary institutions from complying with the Federal Character Principle. Therefore, strict adherence to the recruitment guidelines outlined by the Federal Character Commission is required. The commission’s handbook provides additional clarity on this matter.

It should be noted that any individual, government agency, or federal tertiary institution that conducts recruitment without adhering to the Federal Character Commission’s guidelines and principles may be in violation of Section 14 of the Act, which is punishable under Section 15.

The National Universities Commission (NUC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), as well as the heads of all federal institutions and other relevant authorities, are urged to take note of this directive.