Akwa Ibom Civil Service Recruitment Attracts 15,000 Applicants For 3,000 Posts, Governor Eno Confirms.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has revealed that over 15,000 young people have applied for 3,000 civil service vacancies, highlighting the intense demand for employment in the oil-rich state. Speaking at the monthly prayer service at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, on 16 August 2025, Eno announced that the recruitment process would be merit-based, transparent, and conducted via a computer-based test (CBT) to ensure fairness. The initiative, part of the state’s ARISE Agenda, aims to address the high unemployment rate, which stands at 34.9% according to the 2023 National Bureau of Statistics report.
The recruitment drive, launched in June 2025, targets 1,000 positions each in education, healthcare, and mainstream civil service, following a verification exercise that uncovered 2,208 ghost workers among 55,000 public servants. Elder Effiong Essien, Head of Civil Service, noted that the process, facilitated through the ARISE Youth Employment Portal, reflects Governor Eno’s commitment to digital transparency and inclusive governance. Applicants are required to hold a minimum of five credits in no more than two sittings in WASSCE, NECO, or GCE, with a compulsory credit in English, and must be registered with the Akwa Ibom State Residents Registration Agency.
Eno, addressing concerns over past recruitment controversies, firmly rejected favouritism, stating, “Don’t bother sending me texts for slots. It’s not possible. The CBT will produce instant results, so everyone sees whether they’ve passed.” The test aims to shortlist 5,000 candidates for oral interviews, from which the final 3,000 will be selected. The governor urged applicants to prepare thoroughly, noting that basic computer literacy is essential, as those unfamiliar with computers may struggle to qualify.
Beyond recruitment, Eno highlighted broader efforts to tackle unemployment, including the Dakkada Skills Acquisition scheme and the ARISE Youth Employment Portal, which have enabled many youths to secure jobs without connections. During recent inspections of 23 state projects, he expressed delight at seeing young engineers, artisans, and female project leaders actively engaged, signaling a shift towards empowering Akwa Ibom’s youth. “Opportunities exist across all local government areas. Let’s shun a sense of entitlement and embrace hard work,” he said.
The initiative has been praised by local stakeholders. Uyo-based analyst Ekerete Udoh described the transparent process as a “game-changer,” noting its potential to restore trust in public sector recruitment. The state has also introduced welfare measures, including a new minimum wage of ₦80,000, state-of-the-art housing for junior staff, and ₦2.5 billion to clear pension arrears, underscoring Eno’s worker-friendly policies.
To support vulnerable residents, Eno announced the third phase of food distribution starting 20 August 2025, managed by the Ministry of Humanitarian and Social Welfare. The recruitment, combined with these initiatives, aligns with the state’s goal of enhancing productivity and service delivery ahead of the 2027 Population and Housing Census.
As the CBT screening approaches, anticipation is high among applicants, with many expressing hope on social media platforms like X that the merit-based approach will offer a fair shot at stable employment. With only 3,000 slots available, the competitive 5:1 applicant-to-job ratio underscores the urgency of addressing unemployment in Akwa Ibom. Governor Eno’s focus on transparency and youth empowerment sets a promising tone for the state’s future.
