By: Quadri Yahya
Claim: The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently calling for applications for a graduate replacement program under paramilitary institutions.
Verdict: Fake.
Full Text:
A memo in circulation claims that the Federal Government has opened an application for a graduate replacement program under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Nigerian Correctional Service; Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Immigration Service.
The memo, which has been shared across many WhatsApp platforms, includes a text which reads: “If you are a graduate or you have 1 seeking employment, this is your chance. The Federal Government has opened a Graduate Replacement Exercise for 2024/2025 under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
“Kindly review the details and submit your CV before the application deadline on May 2, 2025.
“Don’t keep this to yourself—share it with others who might benefit. Let’s help as many people as possible take advantage of this opportunity.”
In 1986, CDCFIB was set up as an establishment under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Minister of Internal Affairs. It was given the exclusive responsibility for the appointment, promotion and discipline of all officers of the Services.
According to the viral memo, the government set up a recruitment program to tackle unemployment in the country.
Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 per cent in the second quarter from 5.3 per cent in Q1 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
However, many graduates are still in need of a job, and such an opportunity as suggested in the memo in circulation is likely to attract such unemployed Nigerians.
Verification:
FactCheckAfrica check on the website of CDCFIB reveals that the Board has notified the public of a “mischievous messages sent from unknown parties to unsuspecting applicants who have applied for a role in Federal Fire Service recruitment exercise.”
While urging the public to disregard any information not shared by the Board, it also noted that “the CDCFIB job portal is closed. Successful candidates from the last exercise will be contacted.”
One of the red flags in the memo in circulation is that the letter is filled with errors.
Earlier last month, the Board has also dismissed the memo in circulation, calling it “fraudulent”.
Conclusion:
The memo is circulation does not emanate from the CDCFIB, and therefore the public are urged to disregard it as personal information shared may be used for fraudulent purposes.
