No ‘Godfather’ Needed to Get Federal Jobs, FCC Commissioner Tells Enugu Youths

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has encouraged young Nigerians to believe in merit, preparation and personal development rather than relying on political connections or influential individuals to secure opportunities in the Federal Government.

Speaking to youths in Enugu, a commissioner of the Federal Character Commission advised young people seeking federal employment to focus on acquiring relevant skills, improving their qualifications and following legitimate recruitment processes instead of depending on so-called “godfathers.” The FCC is the agency responsible for promoting fairness and equity in the distribution of federal opportunities among Nigeria’s states and regions.

The commissioner said the era when young Nigerians believed they needed powerful connections before accessing government opportunities should be replaced with a system where competence, qualification and proper procedures determine success.

He urged youths to position themselves for available opportunities by developing themselves academically and professionally. According to him, young people must also take advantage of information about government programmes, recruitment exercises and empowerment initiatives rather than waiting for personal recommendations from influential people.

The message comes at a time when unemployment and limited access to quality opportunities remain major concerns among Nigerian youths. Many young people often complain that government jobs and opportunities are difficult to access without connections, creating frustration and distrust in public recruitment processes.

However, the FCC commissioner’s message suggests that transparency and fairness in recruitment must go together with youth preparedness. While government institutions are expected to provide equal access to opportunities, young Nigerians also need the skills and qualifications required to compete successfully.

The Federal Character Commission was established to ensure equitable distribution of federal appointments, employment opportunities and other benefits across Nigeria’s different regions. Its role is particularly important because concerns about imbalance in federal representation have remained a major issue in national discussions.

For many youths, the statement may serve as encouragement, but it also raises an important question: does merit alone guarantee access to opportunities, or must government institutions do more to convince citizens that recruitment processes are truly transparent?

The effectiveness of such a message will depend on whether young Nigerians can see practical evidence that opportunities are available through open and fair processes. Building trust requires not only advising youths to avoid dependence on connections but also ensuring that institutions consistently follow transparent recruitment procedures.

Ultimately, the commissioner’s message highlights a broader issue in Nigeria’s employment system — the need for young people to develop themselves while government agencies strengthen confidence in the fairness of public opportunities.