By Adewole Kehinde
I came across a publication on the biased online medium, Sahara Reporters, titled “Nigerian Police Officers Accuse IG Of Favouritism In Promotions, Say 2023 Degree Holders Left Behind,” and was so furious because of the word “Favouritism.”
The report claimed that a growing number of disgruntled police officers have accused the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) of abandoning them after they submitted academic documents for promotion in 2023.
I want to remind the so-called “disgruntled police officers” that the Police Service Commission is primarily responsible for promoting police officers, except for the Inspector General of Police.
The Police Service Commission is a federal body established under the 1999 Constitution. It makes appointments, promotes, dismisses, and exercises disciplinary control over other police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) also plays a role, often recommending promotions to the PSC.
Egbetokun, a police officer who has a serious passion for education, in his wisdom, recently sent out a signal calling for doctoral degree (PhD) holders for a fresh promotion exercise. It is unfortunate that some “disgruntled police officers” could say that “the fresh promotion exercise is not only discriminatory but a slap in the face of thousands of personnel who have been waiting for recognition based on their HND, BSc, and master’s degrees.”
According to a recent press release from the Police Service Commission, I am aware of the Departmental Selection Board (DSB) for the promotion interview of Inspectors who are qualified for the next rank took off successfully on Monday, May 19th, 2025, in many Police Zonal Command Headquarters across the country.
I strongly disagree with the statement of the “disgruntled police officers” who are claiming “fears of intimidation, victimisation, and career sabotage.”
IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s vision for the Nigeria police is not that of “intimidation, victimisation, and career sabotage” but a transformation towards a more professional, service-driven, and community-oriented organisation.
He aims to create a force that is trustworthy, accountable, and capable of effectively supporting government initiatives for national development.
This vision includes strengthening the force’s capacity through training, technology, and intelligence-led policing, while also prioritising human rights and community engagement.
In Nigeria, civil servants seeking further education typically need to secure educational leave, which involves specific regulations and conditions and may require financial sponsorship. Therefore, the Nigeria police signal dated May 15, 2025, “that officers who have PhDs and have approval to go on study leave” should submit their credentials for the promotion process to be in order.
One of the “disgruntled police officers” said that “In 2023, they didn’t mention study leave. They only asked for degree holders to document. Now they’re talking about study leave approval and PhDs only. Is it even possible for a rank-and-file officer to get a study leave and complete a PhD while still serving? It’s clear they are not serious, or they are being selective.”
Egbetokun is a man of the rule of law, and he knew what the Civil Service Rules say on seeking further education. I want to state categorically that a rank-and-file officer can get a study leave and complete a PhD while still serving under this administration.
The ongoing promotion process is not targeted to benefit the Inspector General of Police and his cronies, as claimed by the “disgruntled police officers.” Egbetokun sees all police personnel, irrespective of tribe, ethnicity or religion, as his people. The so-called “disgruntled police officers” shouldn’t use their impatience to receive the curse of God because Egbetokun means well for the over 300,000 police personnel across the country.
It is completely false that the signal is designed to benefit only a few stationed at Force Headquarters or police training institutions. The promotion exercise is for all personnel serving across various state commands who submitted their documents in good faith since 2023.
In conclusion, I wish to state that all promotions under this administration are based on merit and due qualifications.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporter. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
