The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has shortlisted 28 candidates from an initial pool of applicants for possible appointment as judges of the Federal High Court.
The candidates emerged from 62 applicants who successfully passed the computer-based test (CBT) conducted as part of the recruitment process. Following further screening, 34 candidates were eliminated.
It was gathered that the disqualification followed a rigorous vetting exercise introduced by the leadership of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Under the new guidelines, the NJC had earlier published the names of the 62 successful CBT candidates on 17 September, inviting members of the public to submit information on their integrity, reputation and overall suitability for judicial office.
Sources said the FJSC subsequently reviewed petitions and feedback received from the public, leading to the elimination of 34 nominees.
The remaining 28 candidates are scheduled to appear before the NJC interview panel on 11 and 12 January, ahead of the council’s meeting slated for 13 and 14 January, when final recommendations will be considered.
Confirming the exercise, the spokesperson for the NJC, Mrs Kami Ogendegbe, said the council remains firm on maintaining high standards in the selection process.
According to her, the NJC “is determined not to lower the entry point bar no matter who is involved”.
She added that the leadership of the council under Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is committed to transparency and the protection of judicial integrity as top priorities.
