FCC Urges Tertiary Institutions to Apply Federal Character in Recruitment

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has called on all Federal Tertiary Institutions to apply the principles of federal character in their recruitment processes to ensure equity, fairness, and justice.

In a recent statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Chuks Okoli, the FCC emphasized that the application of the federal character principle is mandatory and in accordance with Section 14 (B) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The FCC, which is responsible for enforcing the federal character principle, aims to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of posts and socio-economic amenities, and infrastructural facilities among the federating units nationwide.

The commission has observed that some Federal Tertiary Institutions have embarked on staff recruitment without adhering to the FCC guidelines and principles.

In response, the FCC has reminded these institutions of their obligation to comply with the federal character principle and guidelines.

According to the statement, the circular from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) does not exempt Federal Tertiary Institutions from complying with the federal character principle.

As such, all relevant authorities and heads of institutions are urged to adhere to the FCC’s recruitment guidelines and principles.

Failure to comply with the federal character principle in recruitment processes may result in punishment under Section 15 of the Act, as it is considered an offence under Section 14.

The FCC has also directed relevant authorities, such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), to take note of this directive and ensure that all Federal Tertiary Institutions under their jurisdiction adhere to the federal character principle in their recruitment processes.

This development emphasizes the importance of the federal character principle in promoting equity, fairness, and justice in the distribution of opportunities and resources within the Nigerian federation.