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The reported decline in the number of Nigerian youths joining the military has been attributed to the availability of Information Technology job opportunities, which have diverted the younger generation’s interest from military service.
On Wednesday, the Lagos State Government expressed concerns that youths in the state were not keen on joining the military.
Speaking at a quarterly meeting in Ikeja with the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee, the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, stated, “In Lagos State, our children don’t like to join the military. They don’t see any reason why they should be part of the army. If your state does not participate, you are short-changing your state.”
Salu-Hundeyin’s statement comes three months after the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, revealed that the South West has the lowest rate of enlistment in both the military and the Police Force.
Commenting on the matter, a security expert, Kabir Adamu said IT jobs have diverted the interest of Nigerian youths, adding that the harsh training and living conditions of military personnel were also discouraging factors.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday, Adamu noted that the military had not adopted an intergenerational system that would appeal to younger, tech-savvy individuals.
“There are jobs, especially in IT and digital technology, that are more attractive now. Additionally, the military still maintains a traditional, conservative disposition that does not embrace intergenerational dialogue to encourage entrance from young people who are tech-savvy and digitised.
“The military is strong in federal character. If one part of the country is not enrolling, then the very essence of representation will be defeated. It also leaves a significant requirement for geo-context understanding,” Adamu said.
Asked whether the military’s welfare package could be a contributing factor, Adamu responded, “Probably. But more important are the harsh training and living conditions. Equating molestation and hardship during training and operations to tests of endurance is not helping.”
However, retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi disagreed with the notion that youths from the South West were not showing interest in joining the military. According to Adewinbi, some youths may not be meeting the recruitment requirements, but he insisted that many are still very eager to enlist.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Adewinbi said, “It is not true that the youths are not showing interest in the military. Some are being accepted, while others are not. It depends on the requirements and capabilities. The youth are interested; I have seen it in them. I have signed many forms for youths who wanted to join the military in my state.”
Also, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, explained that the military provides a level playing field for all Nigerians during recruitment exercises, adding that no state is given preferential treatment.
He also noted that all state governments send representatives to monitor military recruitment exercises.
Gusau said, “Whenever there are recruitment exercises, we always advertise to call on all Nigerians who meet the stated criteria to apply. The criteria include age and academic qualifications in the case of direct short service.
“We subject applicants to medical tests and other evaluations. We shortlist the same number of candidates for each state. For instance, if we select 10 candidates in Gombe, the same number will be selected across the country.
“The only reason that number might decrease is if, after being admitted to the NDA, someone voluntarily withdraws or if an individual commits an offense leading to dismissal. There is nothing we can do about it. However, at the point of entry, there is equal opportunity for everyone.
“The records are available for anyone interested to check our recruitment and enlistment processes to see if any state has received preferential treatment over another. The numbers remain consistent. Additionally, state governments send representatives whenever our recruitment is taking place.”
