By Samuel Olusegun Precious
A First Class Mathematics graduate of the University of Uyo has appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government over his alleged exclusion from the final shortlist for the Scientific Officer II recruitment despite scoring 81.67 per cent in the Computer-Based Test, CBT.
The graduate, who applied for the Scientific Officer II position at Grade Level 08, said he met the stated academic requirements and performed well during the recruitment process.
According to his appeal, the position required a degree in Natural or Applied Sciences, while he holds a First Class degree in Mathematics from the Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, obtained in 2023.
He said he scored 81.67 per cent in the CBT before proceeding to the interview stage.
The applicant also claimed that during the interview, he was asked to state Newton’s First Law and provide two real-life examples.
He said he answered the question correctly and received applause and commendation from members of the interview panel.
He further stated that his academic and personal records were consistent, including his primary education in 2008, secondary education in 2014, university graduation in 2023 and completion of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, programme in 2024.
Despite these qualifications and his performance, the graduate said he was not included in the final shortlist.
He further alleged that another applicant who scored 52 per cent received a recruitment email, a claim that has not been independently verified.
In his appeal, the graduate said he was not seeking preferential treatment but wanted the recruitment process reviewed to determine how the final selections were made.
“I am not raising this to discredit any candidate or demand preferential treatment. I am simply appealing for fairness, transparency and accountability,” he said.
He appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Head of Civil Service, the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission and Governor Umo Eno to review his CBT result, academic qualifications, interview performance and the criteria used in arriving at the final shortlist.
The graduate also said he was not seeking publicity but wanted an explanation for his exclusion from the recruitment exercise.
“I am not asking for favour. I am asking for fairness,” he said.
The appeal has been directed to the state government and relevant authorities, including the Office of the Head of Civil Service and members of the National Assembly representing the affected constituency.
The Akwa Ibom State Government and Civil Service Commission have yet to publicly respond to the graduate’s specific complaint or clarify the criteria used for the final selection.
A transparent review of the complaint and clarification of the recruitment criteria could help address concerns surrounding the selection process and maintain confidence in the exercise.
