The Police Service Commission has disassociated itself from a recent advertisement promoting the commencement of the 12th Regular Course Degree Programme at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State. The advert, which circulated widely, claimed that online applications would open from 28th July 2025 to 8th September 2025. However, the Commission has declared the publication unauthorized, unconstitutional, and misleading.
In a public statement issued on Thursday, 31st July 2025, the Commission described the advert as a “flagrant violation of the required procedure” and a “clear attempt to undermine the Commission,” which holds the constitutional authority to recruit into the Nigeria Police Force.
Quoting legal precedent, the Commission stated, “The Commission has the sole authority to appoint persons holding or aspiring to hold offices into the Nigeria Police Force,” referencing the Court of Appeal’s judgment of 30th September 2020 in Police Service Commission v. Inspector-General of Police & 3 ors CA/A/84/2020 pg 80. This judgment was further upheld by the Supreme Court in the case NPF v. Police Service Commission SC/CV/773/2020.
The Police Service Commission emphasized its role as a law-abiding institution, vowing to resist any actions from individuals or institutions that breach the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Commission stated, “The publication obviously undermines the rule of law and infringes upon the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens as interpreted by the Apex Court in the land.”
While the Commission acknowledged that recruitment and employment in the police sector require input from multiple stakeholders to prevent favoritism, corruption, and nepotism, it clarified that the process must follow legal and constitutional frameworks. The stakeholders identified include the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Federal Character Commission, and the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Commission hereby notifies the general public to disregard the said advertisement as it is not aware of it, and necessary stakeholders’ input was not sought or received,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the Police Service Commission criticized the processes recently introduced by the Police Academy, describing them as chaotic and opaque. According to the Commission, “The process and procedures that the Management of Police Academy introduced in the recent past is completely chaotic, confusing and unpredictable, deliberately designed to breed and create room for corruption.”
The Commission also expressed concerns over the N6,000 application fee imposed by the Police Academy. It argued that recruitment exercises should be free and accessible to all, especially as many applicants come from underprivileged backgrounds. The centralized application process, which required all candidates to appear physically at the Academy, was described as burdensome and unsafe.
“Inviting all the prospective applicants to appear in the premises of the Police Academy instead of decentralizing the process and procedures in the 36 states and Abuja… creates unnecessary stress, economic wastage, risk of journey, accommodation problems for the applicants and their families,” the Commission said. It also highlighted numerous parental complaints about corrupt practices during previous recruitment exercises.
In a move towards greater transparency and equity, the Commission confirmed that it is working closely with relevant stakeholders to align its recruitment policies with global best practices. The objective is to implement procedures that reflect governance principles such as accountability, equity, and fairness. These reforms, the Commission stated, are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Commission concluded by declaring the advertisement “null and void,” stressing that it should be considered illegitimate and of no effect. “This statement serves as a disclaimer that any unlawful or unconstitutional action occasioned by the advertisement is meant to mislead the public and does not reflect a legitimate exercise of constitutional responsibility,” it stated.
The Police Service Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding due process in police recruitment and ensuring that future exercises are inclusive, free from exploitation, and constitutionally valid.