“Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should prioritize empowering citizens, not depleting their limited resources,” the statement read.
The African Action Congress (AAC) and the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, Bauchi State Chapter, have jointly condemned the recent decision by the Bauchi State Government to impose a ₦500 application fee on unemployed youths applying for civil service jobs.
They both described the move as exploitative and insensitive, particularly amid the ongoing economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
In a joint press statement released on Saturday, the party and the movement criticized the monetization of the recruitment process, arguing that job creation should serve to empower the people, not further impoverish them. They called for an immediate refund of all monies collected from applicants.
“Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should prioritize empowering citizens, not depleting their limited resources,” the statement read.
The press release, signed by Amb. Umar Y Abubakar, Chairman of AAC in Bauchi State, and Comr. Nazif Nuhu, Coordinator of the TIB Movement, also drew attention to what they described as the “deplorable” state of public education in the state.
They lamented the deteriorating conditions of many schools, citing leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of basic learning materials. The statement noted that Bauchi remains among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children since 2019, a situation the groups say demands urgent government intervention.
“We demand that the Bauchi State Government should redirect its focus and resources toward revitalizing our education system. Investing in rebuilding classrooms, training teachers, and creating a conducive learning environment is crucial,” the statement continued.
Summarizing their demands, the AAC and TIB Movement called on the state government to:
Cease what they termed “extortion” of job applicants,
Refund all application fees collected, and
Prioritize investment in the state’s education sector.
“The people of Bauchi deserve leadership that listens, cares, and acts in their best interest,” the statement concluded.
SEE THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
BY
THE AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) AND THE TAKE-IT-BACK MOVEMENT (TIB), BAUCHI STATE CHAPTER
DATE: MAY 11, 2025
We, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) in Bauchi State, express our utmost disapproval of the recent decision by the Bauchi State Government to impose a ₦500 application fee on unemployed youths seeking civil service positions. This move is not only exploitative but also disheartening, particularly given the current economic hardships faced by many citizens.
Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should prioritize empowering citizens, not depleting their limited resources. We demand that the government immediately refunds all monies collected from applicants.
Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about the deplorable state of our public education system. Many schools in Bauchi are in disrepair, with leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate learning materials. The state’s ranking among those with the highest number of out-of-school children since 2019 underscores the urgent need for reform.
We urge the Bauchi State Government to redirect its focus and resources toward revitalizing our education system. Investing in rebuilding classrooms, training teachers, and creating a conducive learning environment is crucial.
Our message is clear:
- Cease the extortion
- Refund applicants
- Prioritize education
The people of Bauchi deserve leadership that listens, cares, and acts in their best interest.
E-SIGNED:
Amb. Umar Y Abubakar
Chairman, African Action Congress (AAC) Bauchi State Chapter
Comr. Nazif Nuhu
Coordinator, Take It Back Movement
Bauchi State Chapter
