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The Nigerian government has ordered the conduct of compulsory confirmation and promotion examinations for newly employed doctors, engineers, police officers, teachers, administrative officers, foreign affairs officers, and other professionals in the federal public service.
This was done in a bid to ensure the competence and professionalism of public service professionals. However, failure to pass the exams after three consecutive attempts will result in resignation or withdrawal from service.
The directive was communicated through a circular dated June 20, 2023, with reference number HCSF/MDO/MP/754/S.II/116, signed by Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the circular, the examinations, which are scheduled to take place on September 22, 2023, will be conducted by the Career Management Office of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. It emphasized that these exams are a statutory requirement for the career progression of all staff in the public service.
The circular stated that any officer who fails to pass the examinations after three consecutive attempts will be required to resign or withdraw from the service in accordance with the Public Service Rules 060203 and 060204. The Permanent Secretary and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Offices were instructed to ensure strict compliance and enforcement.
The circular further specified that unless exempted by the government, all administrative officers, foreign officers, police officers, and other professionals in the federal public service must pass the examination within two years of their appointment, as prescribed in Chapter 6 of the Public Service Rules.
The eligible categories of officers to sit for the examinations include administrative officers/professionals such as doctors, engineers, teachers, nurses, among others, who are directly appointed into the Federal Public Service on their first appointment.
Dr. Ogunbiyi stated that the registration for the examinations will be conducted online through a Computer Based Test (CBT). The candidate’s Head of Department will need to countersign the registration, and the online form should include the letter of first appointment supporting the candidate’s application.
Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable examination fee of N5,000 to cover the cost of materials. The online registration of candidates will close on August 31, 2023