The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has conducted a directorate level promotion examination for 5,792 civil servants across Nigeria. The examination, which took place in various regions, including the Federal Capital Territory, South West, South East, South South, North West, North East, and North Central, aims to fill available vacancies. The exercise, which started on Monday, will continue on Tuesday, with 52 candidates participating in the foreign phase scheduled for October.
FCSC Chairman, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, announced that the computer-based test (CBT) mode of examination has become a permanent feature in the promotion of civil servants. He made this statement during a media briefing in Abuja, where he assessed the first day of the examination. Olaopa expressed satisfaction with the decentralization of the examination, which was a promise made earlier. He attributed the success of the exercise to the cooperation of civil servants and stakeholders.
A total of 2,169 candidates participated in the examination in the Federal Capital Territory, while 1,270, 497, 613, 461, 270, and 460 candidates took part in the South West, South East, South South, North West, North East, and North Central regions, respectively. Olaopa noted that the candidates arrived on time and conducted themselves appropriately during the examination. He acknowledged that there were some initial challenges, including internet network issues, but they were quickly resolved.
Olaopa disclosed that some candidates faced challenges with computer literacy, but the CBT experience was designed to be basic and easy to navigate. He appreciated the commissioners and staff members who contributed to the success of the exercise. The chairman assured stakeholders that the examination was merit-based and free from political interference. He also warned that candidates who fail the examination thrice may be exited from the service.
The FCSC chairman revealed that efforts are being made to address the issue of the number of qualified candidates exceeding the available vacancies. He expressed optimism that the CBT mode of examination would continue to improve, with the commission taking it as a learning journey. Olaopa also disclosed that some candidates faced logistical issues, including two who came to Abuja instead of their designated centers in Kaduna and Port Harcourt.
Olaopa commended the commissioners and staff members for their efforts in making the exercise a success. He noted that the commission was prepared to address the needs of physically challenged and visually impaired candidates, with some cases resolved on the spot. The chairman emphasized that the CBT experience was designed to be inclusive and accessible to all candidates.
The directorate level promotion examination is a critical process in the Nigerian civil service, aimed at filling available vacancies with qualified candidates. The FCSC has taken steps to ensure that the process is transparent, merit-based, and free from bias. With the CBT mode of examination now firmly established, the commission is expected to continue to refine the process to ensure that it remains effective and efficient.
Key points
- The Federal Civil Service Commission conducted a directorate level promotion examination for 5,792 civil servants across Nigeria.
- The computer-based test mode of examination has become a permanent feature in the promotion of civil servants.
- The examination aims to fill available vacancies with qualified candidates, with efforts being made to address the issue of the number of qualified candidates exceeding the available vacancies.
