The Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission has commenced a computer-based promotion examination for 915 Assistant and Deputy Directors in Abuja. The examination, which will be conducted in phases, aims to ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills to face technology-driven challenges associated with their jobs. Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Emeka Eze, emphasized that the computer-based examination is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, designed to eliminate interference and pressures.
Eze highlighted that the commission will be the first to introduce computer-based promotion examinations in Nigeria, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process. He stated, “The idea is that as we are finishing the result today, by next week the result is out. So there’s no possibility of anybody putting pressure on anybody for it.” This move is expected to promote meritocracy and professionalism in the civil service.
The FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, created the commission with the approval of President Bola Tinubu and promised to resolve the backlog of promotions pending for many years. Eze noted that the verification exercise to determine the workforce strength of the FCT had begun, and the backlog would be cleared as soon as the verification is concluded. Wike had already cleared some outstanding promotions dating back to 2019 up to the level of deputy directors when he took office in August 2023.
During the exercise, the commission uncovered numerous cases of age falsification in service records, and those involved have been retired. Mr. Martins Azubuike, representative of the South-East in the commission, emphasized that participants who fail to scale through the examination would not be promoted. He added that computer-based tests have come to stay in the system to encourage workers to update their digital skills.
The introduction of computer-based promotion examinations is a significant step towards modernizing the civil service and promoting transparency. With the commission’s commitment to clearing the backlog of promotions, the FCTA is set to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its workforce.
