In response to mounting criticism, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed the Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service Commission to refund all administrative fees collected from jobseekers.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government, in an official statement. Despite the governor’s decision, the administration noted that the fees, which have been in place for decades, are standard and historically charged by the Civil Service Commission. These fees are typically collected on behalf of third-party independent examiners who oversee the computer-based test (CBT) required for the recruitment process.
“The government acknowledges the current economic challenges faced by the country, which have factored into the ultimate goal of the recruitment exercise,” the statement read. “The aim is to alleviate the suffering of citizens and create employment opportunities in the state. This has necessitated the directive to immediately refund the fees paid and to waive fees for any new applications.”
Previously, Governor Abiodun had instructed jobseekers to pay ₦10,000 to complete the application process. In a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, Jacob R.O., the government stated that each candidate was required to obtain a teller from the commission and pay a non-refundable fee of ₦10,000.
“Applicants are to obtain tellers from Room A261 at the Civil Service Commission 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 detailed.
The demand for payment sparked significant backlash, particularly from the youth in the state. Adekunle Sowole, a resident of Ogun State, expressed concerns that the fee would disproportionately impact qualified but unemployed youths, who might not have the financial means to obtain the application form, effectively disqualifying them from the process.
This is not the first time Governor Abiodun’s administration has faced criticism over recruitment fees. In 2019, applicants for various positions at the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, including messengers, mortuary attendants, cooks, and health attendants, were required to pay ₦5,000 for an application form. Additionally, those applying for registrar positions were mandated to pay an extra ₦2,500 for a residency handbook, bringing the total fee to ₦7,500.
