They said the recruitment exercise had been reduced to a revenue-generating scheme, calling it a betrayal of the government's duty to support its citizens during economic hardship.

The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement and the African Action Congress (AAC) have accused the Bauchi State Government of exploiting unemployed youths by charging a N500 application fee to civil service job seekers.

This was stated in a joint press statement released on May 11 and signed by Amb. Umar Y Abubakar, chairman of the AAC in Bauchi State, and Comrade Nazif Nuhu, coordinator of the TIB Movement, which described the fee as a disgraceful and insensitive policy.

"We express our utmost disapproval of the recent decision by the Bauchi State Government to impose a N500 application fee on unemployed youths seeking civil service positions. This move is not only exploitative but also disheartening," the statement read.

They said the recruitment exercise had been reduced to a revenue-generating scheme, calling it a betrayal of the government's duty to support its citizens during economic hardship.

"Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should prioritize empowering citizens, not depleting their limited resources," the statement added. 

The group and the party demanded that the state government refund all monies collected from applicants.

Beyond the job application fee, the AAC and TIB also criticised the Bauchi government over the poor state of the education system in the state. 

They also pointed to the worsening condition of public schools, many of which they said are in ruins with leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of learning materials.

The statement added: “We demand that the government immediately refund all monies collected from applicants. Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about the deplorable state of our public education system. Many schools in Bauchi are in disrepair, with leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate learning materials. The state’s ranking among those with the highest number of out-of-school children since 2019 underscores the urgent need for reform.

“We urge the Bauchi State Government to redirect its focus and resources toward revitalizing our education system. Investing in rebuilding classrooms, training teachers, and creating a conducive learning environment is crucial.”