The Federal Government has identified seven common mistakes that could prevent Nigerians from securing public service jobs, warning applicants to avoid fraudulent recruitment schemes and strictly follow official application procedures.
The advisory was issued by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in a public awareness notice published on its website, where the agency cautioned that many job seekers unknowingly reduce their chances by ignoring recruitment guidelines, submitting inaccurate information or relying on fake vacancy announcements.
According to the commission, the seven mistakes applicants should avoid are:
- Applying through unverified sources
- Paying someone to secure a government job
- Ignoring application requirements
- Missing application deadlines
- Providing incorrect information
- Failing to prepare beyond the application stage
- Assuming every advertised vacancy is genuine
The commission warned that fraudsters frequently create fake recruitment portals, social media adverts and misleading online messages to deceive desperate job seekers.
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It advised Nigerians to verify every recruitment announcement through recognised government platforms before submitting applications or personal information.
The FCC also cautioned applicants against paying anyone who claims to have influence over government recruitment.
“Applicants 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,” the commission stated.
The agency stressed that while concerns about fairness in recruitment should be addressed, anyone collecting money or promising employment outside official procedures is acting illegally.
The commission urged applicants to carefully review eligibility requirements, including educational qualifications, age limits, professional certifications, work experience and required documents before applying.
It also advised candidates not to wait until the final days before deadlines, warning that late submissions could result in incomplete applications or missed opportunities.
Applicants were further encouraged to verify all personal information before submitting forms, noting that errors in names, qualifications or contact details could affect screening and eligibility.
The FCC reminded job seekers that the recruitment process does not end with submitting an application, urging candidates to prepare for aptitude tests, interviews and other assessments.
It also warned Nigerians against fake job offers that guarantee employment, demand payment before processing applications or pressure candidates with unrealistic deadlines.
Clarifying its mandate, the commission explained that it does not directly recruit workers into ministries, departments or agencies. Rather, recruitment is carried out by the relevant institutions, while the FCC ensures compliance with the Federal Character Principle under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
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The commission added that verified vacancies from federal institutions are published through its recruitment platform, enabling applicants to access authentic information before proceeding to the official application portals of recruiting agencies.
It urged Nigerians to verify every recruitment source, follow application instructions carefully, avoid paying anyone for jobs and apply only through official government channels to improve their chances of securing legitimate public service employment.
