Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has come under fire for requiring jobseekers in Ogun State to pay ₦10,000 to obtain application forms for civil service positions. The decision has sparked widespread criticism, particularly among the state’s youth.
A memo issued by the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, signed by Permanent Secretary Jacob R.O., announced the payment requirement, stating that each candidate must obtain a teller from the commission after paying the non-refundable fee.
“Applicants are to obtain tellers from Room A261 at the Civil Service Commission for the application form upon payment of a non-refundable fee of ₦10,000 per candidate. The application forms and other credentials should be submitted to the office of the Director, Appointment and Transfer (Civil Service Commission) Block A, Room A233, State Secretariat Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta,” the memo reads.
The fee has been met with harsh criticism, particularly from young people in the state, who argue that it disproportionately affects qualified but financially disadvantaged applicants.
Adekunle Sowole, a resident of Ogun State, voiced concerns that the fee would disqualify many competent young people who cannot afford to pay for the application form.
This is not the first time Governor Abiodun’s administration has imposed fees on job applicants. In 2019, prospective employees, including messengers, mortuary attendants, cooks, and health attendants at the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, were required to pay ₦5,000 for application forms. Those applying for registrar positions were also required to pay an additional ₦2,500 for a residency handbook, bringing their total fee to ₦7,500.
Attempts to reach Kayode Akinmade, spokesperson for the Ogun State governor, for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
