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Low turnout has marred the Nigerian Army recruitment screening in Oyo State, with fewer than half of the shortlisted candidates reporting for the exercise. The poor attendance has drawn concern from officials overseeing fairness in federal recruitment.
The Army Recruitment Numbers in Oyo
Of the 941 candidates shortlisted for the screening in the state, only 472 turned up, an attendance rate of roughly 50 per cent. The figures relate to the ongoing 84 Regular Recruits Intake (84RRI), part of the Army’s nationwide drive to enlist young Nigerians.
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) representative for Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, expressed concern at the turnout. He warned that the poor participation could undermine efforts to ensure equitable representation in federal recruitment, where each state is expected to supply its fair share of personnel.
Why So Few Showed Up
The commissioner described what he called a lackadaisical attitude among many applicants, noting that even the shortlisted figure was already considered low for a state of Oyo’s size and population. The gap between those invited and those who appeared raises questions about how seriously some candidates pursued the opportunity.
Analysts point to several possible factors, including the cost and distance of travel to screening centres, uncertainty about the process, and competing options that draw young people elsewhere. Whatever the cause, a half-empty screening hall is a setback for a state expected to contribute strongly to national intakes.
A Recurring Concern
Patchy turnout at military recruitment drives is not unique to Oyo. In several parts of the country, officials have lamented that many shortlisted candidates fail to appear, citing logistics, misinformation and doubts about whether the process is genuinely merit-based. Each no-show represents a slot that could have gone to another willing applicant.
Recruitment officers say sustained public awareness is needed so that candidates understand the dates, requirements and benefits of enlisting. They stress that the Army’s intakes are competitive and structured, and that appearing for screening is simply the first step toward a stable career in uniform.
Why Equitable Recruitment Matters
Nigeria’s federal character principle is meant to ensure that public institutions, including the armed forces, reflect the country’s diversity. When a state sends far fewer recruits than its quota allows, it can lose slots and weaken its representation in national service over time.
For young people, military recruitment also offers stable employment, training and a career path at a time when jobs are scarce. Officials worry that missed screening dates mean missed chances that may not come round again soon.
What Happens Next
The Army is conducting the 84RRI screening across the country, and authorities in Oyo have encouraged eligible candidates to take the process seriously and attend on their assigned dates. Officials have also asked community leaders and families to spread the word, so that shortlisted applicants do not let preventable obstacles keep them away. The FCC’s intervention signals that recruitment fairness will be monitored closely, and for now the low Oyo turnout stands as a reminder that opportunity only counts when candidates show up to claim it.
