By OKON OKON

The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has cautioned members of the public against unauthorised recruitment messages and links circulating on social media and other online platforms.

The commission, in a statement issued by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Ibraheem Zakariyya, on Friday in Abuja, urged prospective applicants to verify recruitment information through its official communication channels.

It said members of the public should not rely on recruitment messages or links unless they were traced to an official announcement issued by the commission.

The commission advised the public to exercise caution and refrain from clicking on unsolicited recruitment links.

It also advised members of the public on submitting personal information or making payments in response to messages circulated by individuals, social media accounts, WhatsApp groups, blogs or unofficial websites.

It explained that, under Rule 020102(i) of the Public Service Rules, 2021, the commission made appointments to positions on GL. 07–17 as vacancies arose and following due advertisement.

According to the commission, such advertisements are required to be published in three national newspapers and on its official website, with a specified deadline for submission of applications.

It added that Rule 020206 of the Public Service Rules required applicants to meet prescribed eligibility conditions, including relevant qualifications contained in the approved Schemes of Service.

The commission further stated that no officer could be appointed into the Federal Public Service without an authorised establishment and the requisite recruitment waiver from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, where applicable.

It stressed that recruitment into the Federal Civil Service was a regulated and structured process and was not conducted through private agents, middlemen or individuals claiming to have the power to secure employment, influence shortlisting or issue appointment letters.

The commission advised members of the public to verify every recruitment announcement through its official website and authorised communication channels.

It cautioned that the use of the commission’s name, logo or purported branding did not necessarily make a recruitment message genuine.

According to the statement, genuine recruitment exercises are formally communicated through its established official channels and appropriately publicised.

It urged prospective applicants to look out for corresponding official communications from the commission, including publicity issued through its Press and Public Relations Unit, rather than relying on isolated links circulated by third parties.

The commission said where online applications were required, applicants should access the designated recruitment portal only through links provided in official FCSC announcements.

It advised applicants against using alternative links sent through unsolicited messages, social media accounts, WhatsApp groups or individuals claiming to be recruitment agents.

It also urged applicants to carefully study official vacancy announcements for available positions, qualifications, eligibility requirements, application procedures, closing dates and other conditions before applying.

The commission warned the public against anyone demanding money in exchange for recruitment forms, shortlisting, employment, appointment letters, preferential treatment or assistance in securing positions in the Federal Civil Service.

It said no individual should be engaged as an intermediary for the purpose of securing employment with the commission.

It further advised applicants to ensure that all information supplied during an application was accurate and supported by genuine credentials.

The commission warned that false declarations, forged certificates or fraudulent documentation could lead to disqualification and other consequences under applicable rules.

It also advised applicants to retain their application or reference numbers, confirmation messages, email correspondence and other evidence generated after successfully submitting an online application.

The commission acknowledged that the circulation of unauthorised recruitment information could create uncertainty among prospective applicants, stressing that the appropriate response was verification and not reliance on intermediaries.

It encouraged members of the public to seek clarification directly from the commission through its official website, authorised communication channels and designated “Help Desk” on recruitment procedures, eligibility requirements, application status and technical difficulties.

The commission advised applicants not to allow the urgency or attractiveness of a recruitment message to override the need for verification.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, merit-based and rules-driven recruitment process, in line with the Public Service Rules and the broader objective of strengthening professionalism, competence and integrity in the Nigerian Federal Civil Service.

It therefore urged prospective applicants to verify before they trust, read before they apply, and ask before they act.

The commission said it did not endorse or accept responsibility for unauthorised recruitment links, messages or platforms circulating outside its official communication channels. (NAN)