THE FEDERAL Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has issued a press release appealing for understanding from civil servants scheduled to take the 2025 Directorates Level Promotion Examination, acknowledging the “inconveniences” they may face with the new Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
The press release, signed by Taiwo Hassan on behalf of the Chairman of FCSC, Prof Tunji Olaopa, comes in response to growing concerns and social media discussions among candidates about the centralisation of the examination centres.
Specifically, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of Federal Workers Forum (FWF), had in video pleaded with the FCSC to decentralise the computer-based promotion to state capitals due to the economic implications and security challenges.
In the release, the FCSC confirmed it is leveraging the facilities of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the initial rollout of these high-stakes promotion exams. The Commission framed the shift from manual paper tests to CBT as an “innovation” that naturally comes with “attendant hurdles.”
It emphasised that the move is driven by a desire to enhance the “credibility and transparency” of the promotion process, a longstanding issue within Nigeria’s public service.
“Following feedback from the public, the Commission wishes to assure all candidates that it will consider the possibility of decentralizing the examination centres across the 36 States and FCT,” the statement read.
This suggests that while the upcoming exams for directorate-level officers will proceed at JAMB centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), future tests may be held in states across the country using other “technology-enabled innovations.”
The transition to CBT for critical internal processes like promotions is part of a broader, ongoing reform of the Nigerian civil service. These reforms have historically aimed to reduce bureaucracy, combat corruption, and improve efficiency.
However, the implementation of new systems often faces challenges, including resistance from staff and logistical constraints, particularly for officers located outside Abuja.
In a move to alleviate some of the financial burden on candidates, the FCSC also announced that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is exploring the possibility of having various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) process Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) for eligible officers.
This allowance, governed by Public Service Rules (PSR 140107) and extant Financial Regulations, would provide some financial relief to officers required to travel to the FCT to sit for the examination, though the release noted this would be “within the limits of available resources.”
The Commission’s statement is seen as an attempt to balance the drive for a more modern and trustworthy examination system with the practical realities and concerns of thousands of civil servants whose career progression depends on these tests.
