Why NASS Members Should Give Letters Of Recommendation For People Who Need Jobs, Other Opportunities

Why NASS Members Should Give Letters of Recommendation for People Who Need Jobs, Other Opportunities

By Yusuf Ali

Last week I heard one of serving aide to a Senator in Yobe state saying that his principal doesn’t give letters to anybody. He boastfully said in Hausa “mu maigidanmu bai ya bada letter ko waye”.

I found this unrepresentative. During our time with Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, I witnessed firsthand how a Senator’s letter of recommendation opened doors of opportunities for countless individuals.

I learned how important it is for members of NASS to not only listen to their people but to act on their behalf. The letters were more than just words on paper; they were lifelines. They connected people to jobs, scholarships, contracts and other opportunities that transformed their lives.

Young graduates with no prospects have walked into our office with a resume and left with a recommendation that completely changed the trajectory of their careers. Families who had lost hope have found renewed optimism through the Senator’s endorsement.

Let me say that in our bureaucratic-laden society, elected representatives regarded as lawmakers especially at the NASS play a critical role in advocating for the welfare of their constituents.

One often-overlooked yet impactful way NASS Members can contribute to the well-being of their communities is by providing letters of recommendation for individuals seeking employment or other opportunities.

NASS members serve as trusted figures within their constituencies, having been entrusted with the responsibility of representing the interests and needs of the people who elected them.

By extending their support through letters of recommendation, NASS members can lend credibility and endorsement to individuals who may otherwise lack the necessary networks or opportunities to break into competitive job markets or secure other life-changing prospects.

A letter of recommendation from a member of NASS holds significant weight. It signifies that a person has not only earned the respect of a Senator or Member House of Representative but also has the endorsement of a key leader whose role is to understand and address the challenges faced by the public. For many, such letters can be the decisive factor in securing a job, scholarship, or other opportunities that can propel their lives forward.

Moreover, this practice helps to promote equity and inclusion. In many societies, access to jobs and opportunities can be limited by socioeconomic status, gender, or other systemic barriers.

When NASS members use their influence to vouch for people from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, they contribute to breaking down these barriers. This not only enhances social mobility but also fosters a more just and fair society.

While it is understood that such letters should be issued judiciously and based on merit, outright repusal to provide them contradicts the spirit of representation that NASS members are sworn to uphold.

I want to call on NASS members to embrace their role as representatives of their constituents, ensuring no deserving individuals is denied support in their pursuit of success.