FCTA Launches Computer-Based Promotion Exams for 915 Senior Officers

The Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission has commenced a computer-based promotion examination for 915 Assistant and Deputy Directors across various departments and agencies.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Emeka Eze, revealed during the opening ceremony in Abuja that the participating officers were drawn from the Universal Basic Education Board, Secondary Education Board, the Education Secretariat, and other related agencies.

First-of-its-Kind Computer-Based Promotion Test

Mr. Eze explained that the examinations would be conducted in phases, noting that this marks the first time a promotion assessment in Nigeria is being carried out using a computer-based testing (CBT) method.

According to him, this innovation is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and merit-based promotion.

“We are the first commission in Nigeria to introduce computer-based promotion examinations. This method eliminates external interference and ensures quick result processing — results will be ready within a week,” Eze stated.

He emphasized that the move was driven by the need for senior officers to adapt to technology-driven challenges in today’s public service.

Clearing Backlog of Promotions

Eze further disclosed that the initiative was made possible by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who established the commission with the President’s approval. The Minister has vowed to address the long-standing backlog of promotions that has persisted for years.

A workforce verification exercise is currently ongoing to determine the exact staff strength of the FCT Civil Service. Eze confirmed that once this is completed, all pending promotions would be processed without delay.

“When Minister Wike assumed office in August 2023, he cleared outstanding promotions dating back to 2019 up to the deputy director level,” he added.

During the verification, cases of age falsification were discovered in some service records, leading to the retirement of those involved.

Digital Skills a Prerequisite for Promotion

Also speaking, Mr. Martins Azubuike, the South-East representative on the commission, warned that officers who fail the CBT will not be promoted. He stressed that the computer-based system is here to stay, encouraging civil servants to continuously upgrade their digital literacy skills to remain relevant in the modern workplace.

This development reflects a broader shift toward digitization in Nigeria’s public service, aligning with global best practices and the push for a more efficient and transparent civil service structure.

Punch

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