The African Movement for Freedom and Justice has called on the Osun State Government to immediately reverse its decision to charge job seekers a N2000 application fee. The organization argues that this fee is unfair and places an undue burden on those who are already struggling to find employment. They have urged the government to reconsider this policy and find a more equitable solution.
The African Movement for Freedom and Justice released a joint statement on Saturday signed by the organization’s National Coordinator, Ande Africanus, and Publicity Secretary, Matthew Alugbin, PhD. The statement alleges that the Osun State Government has demanded that citizens applying for the new teacher recruitment program pay a N2000 application fee.
The statement alleges that the Osun State Government has a history of exploiting citizens through the job application process. The group argues that the government has continued to impose unreasonable fees on job seekers in an effort to extort them and generate revenue.
The statement reads: “The African Movement for Freedom and Justice (AMFJ), Osun State, strongly condemns the exploitation of unemployed youths in the state under the guise of employment. While we appreciate the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the education sector by recruiting capable hands to enhance the quality of education in Osun State, we must address a fundamental flaw in the process. It has come to our attention that the application form for these positions is being sold at a non-refundable fee of two thousand naira (#2000.00).
“While we wish all prospective applicants success, we want to emphasize that turning public recruitment into an opportunity for Internal Revenue Generation (IGR) for the state is both callous and insensitive, and it should be condemned by all. Imposing a fee for application creates a barrier to entry into the civil service, contradicting the government’s duty to facilitate, rather than hinder, job searches and promote inclusive access to employment opportunities.
“Consider the impact of such fees on unemployed graduates already grappling with financial challenges. It is unjust and unethical to require them to pay application fees, exacerbating their financial burdens. This practice exploits the desperation of job seekers, extracting money without providing any guarantee of employment or return on investment.
“We recall a similar situation in 2020 under the Oyetola-led government, where job application forms were sold to over 40,000 individuals at 3,000 naira each, resulting in only 1,000 applicants being employed. In contrast, recruitment into public schools in Ekiti State in 2022 allowed qualified applicants to apply free of charge using an online platform.
“We call on all Nigerians, especially political actors in Osun State, to urge the government to reverse this decision in the interest of unemployed graduates and in light of the prevailing economic hardship facing Nigeria under the APC-led Federal Government. We also urge the NLC in Osun State to stand in defense of prospective workers and prevent this exploitative practice.”