Technocrat Media, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reportedly increased the fee for police character certificates (PCC) from N5,000 to N40,000.
According to TheCable, a source within the NPF confirmed the development on Tuesday morning.
NPF PCC is also known as police clearance report/certificate is procured by Nigerians who are mostly young people—traveling abroad for study, employment opportunities, or other pursuits.
This development would bring another burden to Nigerians seeking to study abroad as they will be required to pay the 700 percent increase for PCC.
Young Nigerians who are still advocating for the listing of Nigeria as English-speaking—to cancel the requirements to write International English Language Tests (IELTS) for those who are pursuing foreign studies—will now face another burden of paying N40,000 for PCC.
Some organisations in Nigeria also request the certificate before giving employment to applicants.
The document certifies that the holder has no criminal history in Nigeria, has not been convicted, and is not attempting to evade justice for crimes committed in the country.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, NFP spokesperson, did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comment on the development when contacted by TheCable.
The increment is coming amid reports that many Nigerians are seeking to leave (Japa) the country in search of employment abroad owing to a fall in the standard of living and high unemployment rate.
In 2021, Nigeria hit a new record in the unemployment rate as a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the unemployment rate climbed to 33.3 percent in the fourth quarter (Q4 2020) from 27.1 percent recorded in Q2 2020.
Persistent levels of underinvestment compared to global standards, university strikes, availability of post-study work options, and permanent residency have also boosted the interest of Nigerians seeking education abroad.
Also, Nigerian universities have been under lock and key since February over strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
ASUU is demanding improved funding for public universities to be able to cope and compete with counterparts across the globe.
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