Over 15,000 job seekers have applied for just 3,000 available positions in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, highlighting the intense demand for public sector employment amid rising unemployment.
Governor Umo Eno disclosed the figure during the state’s monthly prayer meeting in Uyo, assuring citizens that the recruitment process will be conducted transparently and based strictly on merit.
“We will use a computer-based test that gives instant results,” the governor said.
“There are no slots and no favoritism. This is about merit, not connections.”
The recruitment drive aims to fill 1,000 positions each in the teaching service, healthcare sector, and core civil service.
It comes amid widespread youth unemployment in the state, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a 34.9 percent unemployment rate in 2023.
A separate study also found that over half of the state’s youth population is without work.
Previous recruitment exercises in Akwa Ibom were dogged by allegations of favoritism and lack of transparency, causing frustration and distrust among applicants.
This time, the government says it is determined to restore confidence in the system.
To address youth unemployment more broadly, the state has launched several initiatives, including the ARISE Youth Employment Portal, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Program, and other job creation and empowerment schemes targeted at equipping young people with relevant skills and opportunities.
