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See the Number of Directors that Fail Qualifying Exam for Permanent Secretary Role

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 13th, 2024.

See the Number of Directors that Fail Qualifying Exam for Permanent Secretary Role

Nineteen out of 38 directors shortlisted for the position of permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination.

Earlier in October, The PUNCH exclusively reported that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), had initiated a selection process to appoint new permanent secretaries to fill vacancies in eight states.

A memo issued by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, on October 7, 2024, outlined that officials under ongoing disciplinary action were not eligible to apply for the positions. The memo also confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the appointment process.

Eno Olotu, the Director of Press at OHCSF, provided an update on the selection process, stating, “Out of the 38 eligible directors who participated in the examination, 19 have successfully passed the first stage and will move on to the next phase. This will test their proficiency in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as it relates to government operations, and is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”

Olotu further explained that the rigorous three-stage process was designed to ensure transparency and fairness, with only the most qualified candidates progressing through each stage.

The final stage will involve an appearance before a panel of top civil servants and representatives from the private sector, scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024, after which the successful candidates will be appointed to the role of permanent secretary.