19 Directors Fail Permanent Secretary Qualifying Exam

Out of 38 directors shortlisted for permanent secretary positions within the Federal Civil Service, 19 did not pass the qualifying examination.

In October, it was reported that the Federal Government, via the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, began the process of appointing new permanent secretaries to fill vacancies across eight states.

A memo issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, on 7 October 2024, specified that officials facing disciplinary actions were prohibited from applying for these roles.

This appointment process received approval from President Bola Tinubu.

Providing an update on the recruitment progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at the Office of the Head of Civil Service, stated, “19 of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the examinations have scaled through this first stage and would be participating in the second stage, which will test their competence in the use of information, communication, and technology in conducting government business, on Wednesday, 13th November 2024.”

The recruitment involves “a three-stage exercise,” designed to ensure a “transparent and rigorous process,” so that only the most qualified candidates are selected.

Those who succeed in the second phase will proceed to the final stage, appearing before “a carefully constituted panel of top bureaucrats and representatives of the organised private sector on Friday, 15th November 2024.”