Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Civil Service Commission has debunked unauthorised recruitment links, and urged the public to verify information through official channels. This was contained in a statement signed by Ibraheem Zakariyya, Head, Press and Public Relations for the Commission. The Statement reads:
“The attention of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has been drawn to various messages and links circulating on social media platforms and other online channels, purporting to invite members of the public to apply for recruitment into the Federal Civil Service.
“The Commission wishes to categorically clarify that members of the public should not rely on such messages or links unless they are traceable to an official announcement issued by the Federal Civil Service Commission through its authorised channels.
“The public is therefore advised to exercise caution and refrain from clicking on, submitting personal information through, or making payments in response to unsolicited recruitment links circulated by individuals, social-media accounts, WhatsApp groups, blogs or unofficial websites claiming to represent the Commission.
WHAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FCSC RECRUITMENT
“Under Rule 020102(i) of the Public Service Rules, 2021, appointments to posts graded GL.07–17 are made by the Federal Civil Service Commission as vacancies arise and following due advertisement. Such advertisement is required to be published in three national newspapers and on the official website of the Commission, with a specified deadline for submission of applications.
“Similarly, Rule 020206 of the Public Service Rules requires applicants to satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions, including the relevant qualifications contained in the approved Schemes of Service.
“The Rules also provide that no officer shall be appointed into the Federal Public Service without an authorised establishment and the requisite recruitment waiver from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, where applicable.
“Accordingly, recruitment into the Federal Civil Service is a regulated and structured process and is not conducted through private agents, middlemen or individuals claiming to have the power to secure employment, influence shortlisting or issue appointment letters.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A GENUINE FCSC RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
“Members of the public are advised to observe the following safeguards:
1. VERIFY BEFORE YOU APPLY
“Every recruitment announcement should first be verified through the official website and authorised communication channels of the Federal Civil Service Commission. Do not assume that a message is genuine simply because it carries the name, logo or purported branding of the Commission.
2. LOOK FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICITY
“A genuine recruitment exercise of the Commission will be formally communicated through its established official channels and appropriately publicised. Members of the public should look out for the corresponding official communication from the Commission website, including publicity issued through its Press & Public Relations Unit, rather than relying on isolated links circulated by third parties.
3. USE ONLY THE APPLICATION PORTAL SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSION
“Where online applications are required, applicants should access the designated recruitment portal only through the link provided in an official FCSC announcement. Applicants should not use alternative links sent through unsolicited messages, social-media accounts, WhatsApp groups or individuals claiming to be recruitment agents.
4. READ THE ADVERTISEMENT CAREFULLY
“Applicants should carefully study the official vacancy announcement for the positions available, qualifications, eligibility requirements, application procedure, closing date and any other conditions specified by the Commission before commencing an application.
5. DO NOT PAY FOR RECRUITMENT
“The public should be wary of anyone demanding money in exchange for recruitment forms, shortlisting, employment, appointment letters, preferential treatment or assistance in securing a position in the Federal Civil Service. No individual should be engaged as an intermediary for the purpose of securing employment with the Commission.
6. PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND GENUINE DOCUMENTS
“Applicants should ensure that all information supplied during an application is accurate and supported by genuine credentials. False declarations, forged certificates or fraudulent documentation may lead to disqualification and other consequences under applicable rules.
7. KEEP YOUR APPLICATION RECORDS
“Where an official online application is opened, applicants should retain their application/reference number, confirmation message, email correspondence and other evidence generated after successful submission.
WHEN IN DOUBT, CONTACT THE COMMISSION
“The Commission recognises that the circulation of unauthorised recruitment information can create uncertainty, particularly among prospective applicants. The appropriate response to such uncertainty, however, is verification—not reliance on intermediaries.
“Members of the public are therefore encouraged to seek clarification directly from the Commission through its official website, authorised communication channels and designated Help Desk for enquiries relating to recruitment procedures, eligibility requirements, application status and technical difficulties.
Applicants should not allow the urgency or attractiveness of a recruitment message to override the need for verification.
A SIMPLE RULE FOR ALL PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS
“The public is advised to remember this simple principle:
If a recruitment announcement cannot be traced to an official FCSC announcement and its authorised communication channels, do not treat it as genuine until it has been independently verified by the Commission.
“The Federal Civil Service Commission remains committed to a transparent, merit-based and rules-driven recruitment process, in line with the Public Service Rules and the broader objective of strengthening professionalism, competence and integrity in the Nigerian Federal Civil Service.
“The Commission therefore urges all prospective applicants to verify before they trust, read before they apply, and ask before they act.
“The Federal Civil Service Commission does not endorse or accept responsibility for unauthorised recruitment links, messages or platforms circulating outside its official communication channels, ” it also added.
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