The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has advised Nigerians seeking employment in the federal public service to avoid seven common mistakes that could jeopardise their chances of securing legitimate government jobs.
In a public awareness notice published on its official website on Tuesday, the commission urged applicants to follow only approved recruitment channels and remain vigilant against fraudsters posing as government officials or recruitment agents.
The FCC said one of the biggest risks facing job seekers is relying on unverified recruitment platforms, noting that scammers frequently create fake websites and circulate false job advertisements through social media and messaging platforms to deceive unsuspecting applicants.
The commission also cautioned Nigerians against paying anyone who claims to have the influence to secure federal government jobs or fast-track recruitment processes.
It said, âApplicants should be cautious of anyone requesting payment or claiming they can guarantee employment, and they are encouraged to report suspicious recruitment activities through appropriate channels.â
According to the commission, anyone demanding money or manipulating recruitment exercises is acting illegally and should not be trusted.
Beyond recruitment scams, the FCC warned that many applicants reduce their chances of success by failing to carefully review the eligibility requirements attached to advertised vacancies. It explained that recruitment guidelines often include specific educational qualifications, age limits, work experience, professional certifications and supporting documents that must be met before an application is considered.
The commission also advised applicants to ensure that every detail submitted during the application process is accurate, warning that incorrect personal information, contact details or qualifications could affect verification and eligibility.
Prospective applicants were further encouraged to submit their applications well before closing dates, noting that waiting until the final days of a recruitment exercise often leads to incomplete submissions or missed deadlines.
The FCC stressed that submitting an application is only one stage of the recruitment process, urging candidates to prepare adequately for aptitude tests, interviews and other assessment stages that may follow.
It also advised Nigerians to be wary of any job advertisement that guarantees employment, demands upfront payment or pressures applicants into making quick decisions, describing such offers as warning signs of fraudulent recruitment schemes.
The commission clarified that it does not recruit workers directly into federal ministries, departments or agencies.
Instead, it explained that each government institution is responsible for conducting its own recruitment, while the FCCâs role is to monitor compliance with the Federal Character Principle as provided under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The commission added that verified vacancies from federal institutions may be published through the recruitment section of its website, providing applicants with a reliable source before proceeding to the relevant agencyâs official application portal.
The FCC listed the seven mistakes job seekers should avoid as:
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Applying through unverified sources | Increases the risk of falling victim to recruitment scams. |
| Paying someone to secure a government job | Federal recruitment is not based on payments or unofficial influence. |
| Ignoring application requirements | Failure to meet eligibility criteria can lead to disqualification. |
| Missing important deadlines | Late applications may not be considered. |
| Providing incorrect information | Errors can affect verification and eligibility. |
| Failing to prepare beyond the application | Candidates may still face aptitude tests, interviews and other assessments. |
| Assuming every opportunity is genuine | Applicants should verify all vacancies through official government channels before applying. |
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