The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) conducted the 2024 confirmation and promotion examination for 12,444 officers in the Federal Public Service nationwide on Wednesday.
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) examination, conducted in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was held in 44 CBT centers across the nation. A total of 2,324 officers participated in the examination in the FCT.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, stated that the online examination aligns with the government’s digitization policy, which mandates that all personnel be computer literate.
Walson-Jack, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Mr. Raymond Omachi, monitored the exercise at several centers in Abuja. She commended JAMB for the seamless examination process.
Speaking with journalists at a center located at the National Institute for Security Studies (NIS), Abuja, the Head of Service said: “From what we have observed, the process is seamless, and everything is going well. The first set of officers has already completed their examination. This is the second round we have come to see.”
“I want to thank JAMB for the seamless exercise. They took us to their server room and showed us how they are monitoring the process in real-time. Everything will be transparent. We are using this online process to ensure transparency.”
“For you to be relevant in today’s public service under the digitization program, you must have digital skills; you must be computer literate. There is no place for those who are not computer literate. Those who are not yet in that position need to up their game. There are programs in place to train officers who are not yet computer literate,” she stated.
The Acting Director of Information Technology Services at JAMB, B-Usman Fumilola, noted that the examination was conducted smoothly in all 44 centers nationwide.
The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Fatima Mahmood, emphasized that the confirmation examination is a crucial step in the career progression of a public servant. She explained that, in line with public service rules, some officers who have served for two years are now due for confirmation.
She added that the examination is conducted in partnership with JAMB because of its track record and the commitment to maintaining meritocracy and integrity in the process.
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Mahmood also mentioned that the government is focused on building skill sets in line with the digitization policy necessary to function as a world-class public service.
According to her, JAMB has implemented measures such as CCTV cameras, and questions are randomized to prevent copying, all to ensure transparency and avoid examination malpractice.
