THE National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) sent an email to select graduates on October 2, 2016 inviting them for interview in Abuja following an aptitude test it had conducted. The development raised hope and optimism even among and cynics.
From the records made public, after the advert it placed, the test was done in a very fair manner, with each candidate receiving his score immediately after the aptitude test. Sequel to that test, the shortlisted candidates were invited to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Coming at a time when the country’s unemployment statistics was skyrocketing, the move was welcomed with applause for the agency. However, in October 2016, those who were invited to the NITDA headquarters in Abuja were greeted with the news that the whole process had been suspended due to the appointment of a new Director General.
At no point was the integrity of the selection process that led to the emergence of the awardees questioned. Barely a year after the aptitude test, it came as a shock when the supposed beneficiaries were served a “Termination of the 2016/2017 NITDEF Scholarship Selection Process” letter on Wednesday afternoon, September 6, 2017.
From the letter, the basis for the agency’s decision was “due to serious budget deficit to award the scholarship.” Most questionable was the agency’s invitation to participate in the selection process of the 2017/2018 exercise.
It is only right that the agency, at all cost, fulfills the promise made to young Nigerians before any further invitation for similar scholarships.
Adebote ‘Seyifunmi
Abuja
and then