A group of first-class graduates of Yobe State University has accused the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni of marginalisation, lack of transparency, and favouritism in the allocation of government appointments in the state.
The graduates, drawn from different faculties and representing various local government areas, said their academic excellence has not translated into opportunities to serve the state, alleging that merit has been sacrificed for political connections.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Damaturu on Monday, a representative of the group, Mallam Sadiq Ibrahim, criticised the government for what he described as its failure to recognise competence and academic excellence in its appointment process.
He lamented that appointments in the state are no longer based on merit or capacity but on access to people in authority, noting that this trend has discouraged many hardworking youths and eroded confidence in governance.
According to him, the graduates endured years of discipline, sacrifice, and academic commitment with the belief that excellence would be rewarded, but they have been ignored despite their readiness to contribute to the development of Yobe State.
The group further accused the state government of abandoning due process, alleging that fairness and transparency have been replaced by selective considerations that favour a few individuals with political influence.
Echoing similar concerns, a Yobe-based good governance advocate, AB Machina, faulted the government’s handling of first-class graduates, describing it as a selective application of merit.
Machina cited the appointment of a single female first-class graduate as a university lecturer as commendable, but questioned why dozens of other first-class graduates from different faculties and local government areas were ignored without clear criteria.
While acknowledging the importance of gender inclusion, he warned that it should not be used to sideline other qualified individuals, stressing that good governance requires fairness, equal opportunity, and institutionalised merit.
The graduates and the governance advocate warned that continued neglect of qualified young professionals could discourage academic excellence and deprive the state of vital human resources needed for development, particularly in education, health, and public service.
They called on the Yobe State Government to urgently review its appointment process and adopt a transparent, merit-based system that recognises and utilises academic excellence for the progress of the state.
