Civil service commission adopts computer-based tests for workers promotion

The Federal Civil Service Commission is set to deploy computer-based tests to conduct promotional examinations for staff as part of its reformed plans.

The Chairman, FCSC, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, disclosed this at the maiden edition of the commission’s monthly seminar series held in Abuja on Thursday.

Olaopa spoke on ‘The Institutional Framework and Procedure for the Conduct of Directorate Level Exercise: Guaranteeing Integrity, Transparency and Accountability of Standard Practices.’

He noted, “The commission is transiting through the upcoming 2024 promotion exercise from analogue-rooted practices to computer-based tests and the modernisation and digitisation of its core operations.

“The commission is therefore introducing the installation of online recruitment portal that is accessible to all Nigerians, and which enables eligible candidates to pre-fill recruitment form and update same from time to time ahead of advertisement for recruitment into the federal service.

“Eligible candidates will, in addition, henceforth undergo computer-based tests and oral interviews with results collated and released real-time

“FCSC is, in the meantime, entering into an outsourcing contract with the National Open University of Nigeria and JAMB as technical partners with a view to taking advantage of their infrastructure, networks and experience to enable online accreditation, CBT examinations and promotion interview for officers in the Federal service starting with the Directorate-level officers.”

The chairman hoped that the reformed plan would strengthen the professionalism of the commission.

He stated, “We are however hopeful that in so far as all the efforts are channelled to strengthen the professionalism of the federal bureaucracy to enhance the potentials of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President to game-change Nigeria’s national transformation journey, thereby relieving the burdens and pains that the irreducible policies of the Federal Government may have created, then we are sure that we will not lack the oxygen required to keep the implementation of the reform programmes on course.”

In his remarks, the Director of Examinations and Assessment, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Olugbenga Ojo said, “I am here to give credence to the use of CBT for conducting promotion exams for directorate level.

“We have been here before to showcase what we can offer by showcasing our devices. It is to compliment the efforts of the commission. We have told them the advantages of the CBT and what they need to give us for us to function effectively.”