Over 15,000 applicants fight for 3,000 A/Ibom civil service jobs

Over 15,000 applicants are vying for 3,000 civil service jobs in Akwa Ibom State, according to Governor Pastor Umo Eno. The selection process will be transparent and merit-based, with a test that will produce instant results to avoid favoritism.

Previous recruitment exercises in the state have been criticized for lack of transparency and favoritism, causing anxiety among applicants. The state government plans to hire 1,000 personnel in teaching, health sectors, and core civil service by 2023.

Akwa Ibom has an unemployment rate of 36.3%, with 52% of youths in the state unemployed. To address this issue, the government has initiated employment programs such as the ARISE Youth Employment Portal and Dakkada Skills Acquisition Program to create job opportunities and empower the youth.