Kehinde Fajobi
Nineteen out of 38 shortlisted directors in the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying exam for permanent secretary positions, leaving only half to advance to the next stage.
The recruitment process, which began in October, was initiated by the Federal Government through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
According to a memo dated October 7, 2024, and signed by Head of Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack, civil servants facing disciplinary action were barred from applying.
The memo also confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the selection process.
Providing an update, OHCSF Director of Press, Eno Olotu, noted that “of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu explained that the process is structured in three rigorous stages to select only the most qualified candidates.
Those who succeed in the second stage will progress to a final assessment on Friday, November 15, where they will be evaluated by a panel of senior bureaucrats and private sector experts.