Out of 38 directors shortlisted for permanent secretary positions in the Federal Civil Service, 19 failed to pass the qualifying examination.
In October, the Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation initiated a selection process to appoint new permanent secretaries for vacancies across eight states.
According to a memo from the OHCSF dated October 7, 2024, and signed by the Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, officials currently under disciplinary review were barred from applying. The memo also confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the selection process.
Providing an update, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at the OHCSF, stated, “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 in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu further noted that the recruitment process involves a rigorous, three-stage procedure designed to select the most qualified candidates.
Candidates who succeed in the second stage will advance to the final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where they will be evaluated by a panel of top bureaucrats and private sector representatives.