Graduates with degrees, NYSC certificates, and even 20+ years of teaching experience say they’re shut out unless they know someone in power. One man’s tailoring skills are now his only income; not because he’s unqualified, but because the system doesn’t let him compete. The government says it’s transparent, even mentioning orphans get priority. But they didn’t answer the quiet, painful question: Why must you know a politician to get a government job? If vacancies aren’t advertised, how can anyone prove they’re qualified? This isn’t just Yobe’s problem; it’s a silent crisis in how states hire. And until applications are open to all; not just those with access; the real talent will keep stitching clothes, not filling desks.