The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, disclosed that 13,993 senior civil officers are taking the Combined Confirmation and Promotion (COMPRO) exam across the country this year.
Of the total, 2,573 senior civil servants are taking the test in Abuja alone, with the remainder doing it elsewhere in the country.
Mrs. Walson-Jack revealed the figures while monitoring the COMPRO test in Abuja yesterday.
The HoCSF stressed the need for civil and public servants to embrace Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digitalisation to enhance their professionalism and support national development.
She described ICT proficiency as a cornerstone of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25) to modernise the civil service.
This year’s COMPRO examination marks a significant shift as it is being conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) in partnership with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
“We are moving with the times. Digital skills are no longer optional but essential for effective public service delivery. The shift to CBT is part of ongoing reforms to ensure that our civil service is globally competitive,” Mrs. Walson-Jack said.
After monitoring the examination at the Ansar-Ud-Deen International School in Maitama, the HoCSF lauded the seamless conduct of the exercise as well as the full turnout of candidates and the smooth process.
“JAMB has been a dependable partner in this transition, and we look forward to the continued success of this digitalised examination process,” she added.
Mrs Walson-Jack outlined the government’s plans for continued ICT training sessions for civil servants, which will better prepare them for future computer-based exams and overall service delivery.
Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office (CMO), described the exercise as a huge success, despite minor technological issues at a few centres.
The permanent secretary attributed the accomplishment to the cooperation of candidates and the dedication of examination administrators.
She described the nationwide COMPRO test, held in about 50 centres across the country, as a milestone in the government’s ambition for a fully digitalised civil service.