Civil Service Recruitment: Did Akwa Ibom Promise Stipends to Unsuccessful Applicants? Eno Speaks Out

• Governor Umo Eno has denied claims that unsuccessful civil service applicants would receive monthly stipends
• His spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, explained that only successful candidates would advance to the computer-based test and oral interview stages
• Youths registered on the Arise Employment Portal are eligible for a one-time ₦50,000 grant, separate from the civil service recruitment exercise

Uyo, Akwa Ibom — Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has refuted claims that the state government promised to pay monthly stipends to applicants who are unsuccessful in the ongoing civil service recruitment exercise.

Gov Eno's aide clarifies misinformation

Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno’s spokesperson, issued a press release on Wednesday, August 27, in Uyo, stating that reports circulating on social media were false, Daily Trust reported.

“Our attention has been drawn to false reports claiming that Governor Umo Eno, during the Grand Finale of the Town Square Meeting/Empowerment for Etinan Federal Constituency, held at Ikot Edibon on 23 August 2025, promised to pay ₦50,000 monthly to unsuccessful applicants,” Mr Udoh said.

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He emphasised,

“We wish to state categorically that the information is false and totally misleading. Neither Governor Eno nor the state government announced or considered any payment of monthly stipends to unsuccessful applicants.”

Akwa Ibom civil service: Recruitment process explained

Mr Udoh added that all individuals who applied for the advertised civil service vacancies via the official Employment Portal would be shortlisted for a computer-based test (CBT), Vanguard reported.

“Only applicants who successfully pass the CBT will be invited to the next phase, which is the oral interview,” he said.

Akwa Ibom govt explains youth empowerment programme

The spokesperson further clarified that the state government does have provisions to support youths financially, but this is unrelated to civil service recruitment.

“As part of the youth empowerment programme, every youth registered on the Arise Employment Portal is entitled to a one-time ₦50,000 grant, regardless of whether they applied for civil service vacancies or other jobs advertised on the portal. This grant is distinct from the civil service recruitment exercise and must not be misconstrued as compensation for unsuccessful candidates,” Mr Udoh said.

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Legit.ng reports that 15,000 residents applied for the 3,000 available civil serviceositions. Akwa Ibom has a high unemployment rate, with the state government being the largest employer in the oil-rich state.

Governor Eno has committed to training youths in new skills and providing grants to support young entrepreneurs. The state government recently set the minimum wage for its workers at ₦80,000.

FG issues fresh directive for paramilitary applicants

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the federal government, through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), has released key instructions for all applicants awaiting shortlisting in the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.

The recruitment, which covers entry-level and professional positions across Nigeria’s Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration services, emphasises that candidates must prepare physically and mentally ahead of the next phase.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng