Ndokwa People Left Behind In Kwale University Recruitment, A Call For Justice And Inclusion
By Dr. Gift Okwuolise
Information reaching me regarding the ongoing recruitment at the University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, is both troubling and disheartening. Since the beginning of the week, interviews have been conducted for various positions in the institution, but shockingly, the list of shortlisted candidates reflects a deep imbalance.
Out of the many applicants, fewer than ten Ndokwa indigenes were invited for the interview. This is happening in an institution situated right here on Ndokwa soil. While it is true that this is a federal institution, it should naturally reflect inclusion of its host community.
This raises an important and urgent question. How can our people continue to be sidelined in opportunities taking place on our own land?
We fully recognize the fact that the university is a federal establishment and that citizens from across Nigeria are qualified to apply. However, in every well-structured society, it is expected that host communities are not ignored in the process, especially when they have competent and qualified individuals ready to serve.
What makes this situation more painful is the quietness surrounding it. No representation was seen from our community leaders. No political figure, no royal father, no youth leader was present to observe or even raise concern about the exclusion of our people. This silence, whether intentional or not, sends the wrong message.
The Ndokwa Nation is not lacking in talent or qualified manpower. We have graduates. We have experienced professionals. We have willing individuals who submitted their applications in good faith. To now see that less than ten of our own were deemed fit to be interviewed is not only a disappointment, it is a signal that something is wrong and needs to be corrected.
This is not about asking for special treatment. It is about asking for fairness. It is about ensuring that our people are not strangers in their own land. The very least that should be expected is fair representation. Anything less is unjust.
I am calling on the NNU, our traditional rulers, and all stakeholders to take this matter seriously. Let us not wait until our people completely lose faith in the system. Let us not normalize exclusion. Let us demand that moving forward, our people are given the consideration they rightfully deserve.
This is our land. This is our time. Let our voices be heard, not in anger, but with unity, with clarity, and with truth.
