Take-It-Back Movement Condemns ₦500 Job Application Fee Imposed on Bauchi Youths Seeking Civil Service Jobs, Demands Immediate Refund and Education Reform

The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, in a joint statement with the African Action Congress (AAC), has strongly condemned the imposition of a ₦500 application fee on unemployed youths seeking civil service jobs in Bauchi State.

The movement described the action as exploitative and insensitive, especially in light of the worsening economic situation affecting many residents.

In the joint press statement released on Saturday, the Bauchi State Chapter of the Take-It-Back Movement, led by Comrade Nazif Nuhu, demanded that the Bauchi State Government immediately refund all monies collected from job seekers.

“This move is not only exploitative but also disheartening,” the statement read. “Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should empower the people, not take from their already limited means.”

The Take-It-Back Movement also used the opportunity to highlight what it called the “shameful condition” of public schools across the state.

According to the movement, many learning environments are unsafe and unfit for students, citing issues such as leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and a critical lack of educational materials.

“The Bauchi State Government should be investing in its children’s futures, not placing additional burdens on its struggling youth,” Comrade Nazif Nuhu stated. “Bauchi has consistently ranked among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children. That is a crisis—not just in education, but in leadership.”

The TIB Movement called for immediate action from the state government, outlining three clear demands:

Stop what it termed the “extortion” of applicants;

Refund all application fees collected from job seekers;

Prioritize public education through meaningful investment and reform.

Amb. Umar Y Abubakar, AAC State Chairman, co-signed the statement, reinforcing the shared stance.

The Take-It-Back Movement emphasized that its mission remains rooted in defending the rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians. “The people of Bauchi deserve a government that listens, that cares, and that acts in their best interest,” the statement concluded.