Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
YOLA, Adamawa State — Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has ordered the cancellation of the outcome of the recent Civil Service Commission recruitment exercise, following widespread allegations of irregularities, extortion and manipulation that cast doubt on the integrity of the process. The abrupt reversal comes amid mounting public outrage from job seekers and civil society advocates who accused officials of corruption and unfair practices.
The recruitment exercise, which drew significant interest from applicants across the state, was expected to fill thousands of positions within Adamawa’s civil service. According to government sources, over 4,000 individuals had reportedly been recruited, making it one of the largest such exercises in recent years. However, the scale of the recruitment also heightened scrutiny and triggered intense complaints when many qualified candidates said they were excluded from the final list under suspicious circumstances.
In response to the allegations, Governor Fintiri took decisive action by annulling the recruitment outcomes and directing that the entire process be reviewed from start to finish. The governor also approved the establishment of a judicial or administrative panel to investigate all aspects of the exercise, including shortlisting, screening and final selection procedures. Officials privy to the governor’s directive indicated that if wrongdoing is confirmed, those responsible will face sanctions, with Fintiri stressing his administration’s commitment to transparency and public accountability.
The allegations that marred the recruitment centered on claims that some applicants were unfairly bypassed despite meeting advertised requirements, while others who allegedly did not participate in key stages of the process appeared on the final list of successful candidates. Affected job seekers also alleged that officials demanded payments ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦700,000 in order to secure placement, a charge that sparked outrage given the hardship faced by many unemployed youths and graduates.
Reactions from civil society organisations and rights advocates welcomed the governor’s decision to cancel the recruitment and probe the allegations, describing it as a necessary corrective step in a system frequently criticised for patronage and corruption. Critics had argued that without firm intervention, the flawed recruitment could deepen distrust in public institutions and further disenfranchise job seekers who pursued opportunities through legitimate means.
Governor Fintiri’s action followed several protests by disappointed applicants who gathered at designated venues to express their grievances. Many spoke of the emotional and financial toll of participating in a recruitment they believed would improve their livelihoods, only to see what they described as “rigged” outcomes. The governor’s cancellation has been framed by supporters as a demonstration of responsiveness to public concerns and an effort to preserve fairness in state employment.
Adamawa State has previously embarked on efforts to bolster its civil service and address workforce gaps. Earlier in 2025, the government announced plans to recruit 4,000 personnel to strengthen service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies. That initiative was part of a broader strategy to enhance public sector capacity and reduce persistent unemployment among youths in the state.
The controversy over the recent recruitment has underscored longstanding concerns about transparency in public sector hiring across Nigeria, where competitive examinations and merit‑based selection are frequently undermined by allegations of influence, bribery or manipulation. Observers say that Governor Fintiri’s decision to cancel the outcomes and pursue an inquiry may set a precedent for more rigorous oversight of recruitment exercises in other states facing similar challenges.
As the investigation proceeds, attention will focus on the panel’s findings and any corrective measures recommended to restore confidence in the recruitment process. Meanwhile, thousands of aspirants who participated in the exercise await clarification on the timeline and framework for a reordered recruitment effort that reflects fairness and equity.
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