THE Federal Government’s selection process for new permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service has seen 19 of 38 candidates fail the first stage of the qualifying examination.
According to the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), the test was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024, as part of a rigorous three-stage recruitment process designed to fill vacancies in eight states.
A memo signed by Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee and released on Tuesday disclosed that only half of the participating directors advanced to the next phase.
Based on the obtained result sheet, seven directors scored between 30 and just under 40, with the lowest score recorded at 10.50.
Likewise, eleven of the 38 directors scored in the 40 range, while ten candidates achieved scores between 50 and just below 60. Eight directors scored between 60 and just below 70, with only one candidate reaching 72.50.
The OHCSF had initially shortlisted 38 directors for these coveted roles for the process of appointing new permanent secretaries to fill the available positions.
A memo from the OHCSF, signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, and reported by punch, on October 7, 2024, clarified that individuals currently undergoing disciplinary procedures were excluded from applying for the positions.
Meanwhile, the OHCSF’s Director of Press, Eno Olotu, while providing details of the process, said, “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.”
Following the ICT assessment which happened today, candidates who succeed will move on to the final phase, scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024.
In the last stage, the successful candidates will face a thorough evaluation by a panel of top bureaucrats and private sector leaders.
In June, Punch investigation, revealed how about 305 directors have failed the written examination for appointment into the offices of permanent secretaries of the Federal Civil Service between 2020-2024
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M