Olamide Ajetunmobi, Kehinde Adedeji
“We have been in partnership with The Polytechnic Ibadan, and this has been a productive one for both us and the institution,” said Dr. Olubusayo Okedeji, Director of the Police Service Commission.
He made this statement during the recruitment examination and screening exercise held at the institution. The examination was conducted in two sessions, with over 1,700 candidates in attendance.
Dr. Okedeji explained that the institution was selected based on its long-standing and outstanding relationship with the Nigerian Police Force, its secure campus environment, conducive facilities, and central location, which makes it easily accessible to candidates.
He also expressed appreciation to the Rector for the warm reception, describing him as a calm, composed, and admirable leader.
According to him, the purpose of the examination is to assess the mental alertness and overall fitness of candidates, ensuring that prospective police officers are intellectually capable, literate, and able to read and write effectively.
The recruitment examination, held at the 1000 Capacity Seater Hall of The Polytechnic Ibadan, was conducted in a remarkably serene, orderly, and secure environment. This reflects the institution’s strong reputation for discipline and academic excellence. From the moment candidates arrived on campus, there was a clear sense of structure and coordination. Joint personnel from the institution, security agencies, and private operatives were strategically positioned, working in collaboration with Nigerian Police officers to ensure smooth movement and maintain order throughout the exercise.
The calm atmosphere of the institution played a significant role in helping candidates remain focused and composed despite the large turnout. The Polytechnic’s expansive layout and well-maintained facilities provided ample space for the exercise, preventing overcrowding and confusion. Properly arranged examination halls, adequate seating, and good ventilation further created a comfortable environment that supported concentration and optimal performance.
Candidates who spoke with the press described the examination process as orderly and transparent. Many commended the conducive environment provided by the institution and expressed optimism that the recruitment exercise would be fair and merit-based. Parents and guardians present at the venue also highlighted the high level of security, particularly the number of personnel deployed to coordinate activities.
According to a report from the State House, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on February 24, 2026, appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police as a measure to tackle insecurity nationwide. The President noted that the creation of State Police has become increasingly urgent in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthening grassroots policing, and enhancing the capacity of states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions. He added that a decentralised policing structure would complement the existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement. This proposal has been well received by the Senate, with legislative efforts already underway at the National Assembly.
The exercise aligns with the directive of the Federal Government to recruit 50,000 police personnel nationwide. Eligibility criteria for candidates include a minimum of five credits in their school certificate, including English Language and Mathematics, as well as an age range of 18 to 25 years.