PSC Disowns Police Academy Admission Advert, Declares it Null and Void

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has disowned an advertisement announcing the commencement of online applications for admission into the 12th Regular Course degree programmes of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

In a statement issued Thursday, July 31, 2025, by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, the PSC said it was not aware of the advert, which claimed that applications would run from July 28 to September 8, 2025. The Commission described the publication as a blatant breach of due process and an attempt to undermine its constitutional mandate.

“This advertorial which was placed in flagrant violation of the required procedure was an undisguised attempt to undermine the Commission which has the Constitutional Mandate to recruit including through the Academy,” the statement said.

The Commission cited court rulings affirming its authority, including a judgment by the Court of Appeal on September 30, 2020 (CA/A/84/2020) and the Supreme Court’s affirmation in the case SC/CV/773/2020. According to the PSC, any recruitment-related process must involve key stakeholders and not be unilaterally executed.

“The issue of Recruitment/Employment is not solely a Police Service Commission assignment but extends to all key stakeholders in order to avoid the issue of spoils system, cronyism, corruption and other related vices,” the PSC noted.

It warned the public to disregard the advertisement, pointing out that crucial bodies like the Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission, and the Nigeria Police Force were not consulted before its release.

Furthermore, the PSC criticized the application process introduced by the Police Academy, describing it as “chaotic, confusing, and unpredictable.” It also faulted the N6,000 application fee, calling it “absurd” for a process that should be free.

“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… is an invitation to avoidable anarchy,” the Commission warned, citing risks of economic hardship, corruption, and unnecessary stress on applicants and their families.

The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to align recruitment procedures with global standards, in line with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It concluded by declaring the advert “null and void,” warning that any action arising from it is unconstitutional and misleading.

“This statement serves as a disclaimer… the Police Service Commission would not be held responsible.”