The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the recruitment waiver process for federal tertiary institutions remains in force, dismissing impressions that the procedure had been abolished following a speech delivered at a university convocation ceremony.
In a press release signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, the ministry said the clarification followed remarks by the representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, held on October 17, 2026.
The ministry explained that the remarks had created erroneous impressions about the status of the recruitment waiver process, prompting it to restate the existing procedures for approving recruitment requests across federal tertiary institutions.
Education Ministry Explains Recruitment Approval Process
According to the ministry, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) is responsible for approving establishment waivers for federal institutions, while recruitment waiver requests are considered and approved by a committee chaired by the Honourable Minister of Education.
The ministry further explained that the OHCSF retains responsibility for determining authorised staff establishments and assessing manpower requirements.
It added that the office is also represented on the waiver committee, which evaluates the staffing needs of tertiary institutions against their approved establishments to determine whether additional recruitment is justified.
Existing Recruitment Waiver Protocol Remains
Reaffirming its position, the ministry stated that the existing recruitment waiver protocol, which has been in operation for the past few years, remains in force.
“The Ministry therefore emphasises that the existing recruitment waiver protocol, which has been in operation over the past few years to promote greater institutional efficiency and autonomy, remains in force. All requests must continue to comply strictly with the established approval process,” the statement said.
The clarification underscores the continued requirement for federal tertiary institutions to follow the established procedures when seeking approval to recruit additional personnel.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability
The Federal Ministry of Education said it remained committed to transparency, due process and accountability in managing human resources across federal tertiary institutions.
It added that the commitment aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ministry reiterated that recruitment waiver requests must continue to pass through the established approval channels, contrary to any impression that the process has been discontinued.
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