Key Points
- The chairman says his local government will hire only BSc and WAEC holders. He added that Masters and PhD graduates should seek jobs elsewhere.
- He also instructed that no one should address him with a professor title in his local government jurisdiction.
- The statement has triggered wide debate about education, fairness and employment policy in local governments.
A statement attributed to Hon. Chima Njoku, chairman of Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State, says his administration will only hire persons holding at most a BSc or WAEC certificate.
According to video clips circulating online, he told Masters and PhD holders to “go to Port Harcourt” and “look for work”, adding: “My local government is for BSc and WAEC holders. Don’t ever address me with that professor title attached to your name.”
Reaction and policy questions
His comments have stirred responses from civil society, job seekers and education advocates. Some view the policy as discriminatory against higher education holders.
Others say local government postings often have specific qualification bands and such comments reflect local hiring priorities.
Nevertheless, the stance raises concerns over equal employment opportunity for Masters and PhD graduates and the message it sends about valuing advanced qualifications.
Legal and ethical implications
Labor and employment law experts say public-sector recruitment should follow transparent, merit-based criteria and avoid excluding groups solely based on qualification level.
The chairman’s remarks may expose the local government to questions about fairness or possible discrimination. They also highlight the challenge many local governments face in harmonising certificate requirements with available jobs and local politics.
The earlier coverage of broader issues of public officials and hiring practices includes Peter Obi asks if Nigeria is the curse and Federal High Court dismisses assassination attempt report on judge Omotosho.
What happens next
Residents and job-seekers in Etche LGA may await official job adverts or clarification from the local government. Higher-education graduates may seek clarity on their eligibility or contest any advertised criteria. Observers will also watch whether this becomes a precedent for other local administrations or remains a unique case
