JUST-IN: Mass failure as 40 directors score below average in permanent secretary qualifying exam

At least 40 directors failed the qualifying exams for appointment as permanent secretary, News360 Nigeria reports.

According to the findings obtained by our journalist in Abuja, 40 of the 92 directors who sat the exam on May 27, 2024, got less than 50%, indicating failure.

It was also gathered that three directors were absent, and one was unable to complete the exam.

A memorandum dated May 28, 2024, originating from the Office of the Head of Service, designated as “HCSF/ CMO/ AOD/012/IX/59,” disclosed that the subsequent phase of the selection procedure will involve an ICT-based assessment.

This setback occurs amidst the federal government’s efforts, channelled through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, to address prevailing and forthcoming vacancies by appointing new permanent secretaries.

The vacancies in question span various states, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, and regions within the South-East and South-South.

Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, relayed pertinent details in a circular addressed to key government figures such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Yemi-Esan’s circular, dated April 19, 2024, and personally signed, outlined eligibility criteria, stressing that only directors who attained substantive director status by January 1, 2022, qualify for consideration.

The circular specified the initiation of the process for appointing Permanent Secretaries, emphasizing the importance of adhering to eligibility criteria, updating records on the IPPIS Verification Portal, and maintaining a clean disciplinary record.

The circular, referenced as “HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/IX/24,” stated: “Following the approval of Mr. President, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is initiating the process for appointing Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service for current and anticipated vacancies in Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara states, South-East, and South-South geo-political zones, where current Permanent Secretaries have retired or will retire between April and September 2024.”

Eligibility criteria outlined in the memo include having reached the position of substantive Director on Salary Grade Level 17 by January 1, 2022, updating records on the IPPIS Verification Portal, being from the specified states or geopolitical zones, and not retiring before December 31, 2025.

Additionally, officers currently undergoing disciplinary procedures are excluded from the selection process.