No fewer than 40 directors have scored below the average pass mark of 50 per cent in the qualifying examination for the positions of permanent secretaries.
According to The Nation, 92 directors sat for the examination on Monday, but the results indicated 40 of them failed. The report also disclosed that three directors did not attend the exam, while one could not finish it.
Memorandum from the Office of the Head of Service
A memorandum dated May 28, 2024, from the Office of the Head of Service, designated as “HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/IX/59,” revealed that the next stage of the selection process will involve an ICT-based assessment. This comes despite the federal government’s efforts, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, to address prevailing and forthcoming vacancies by appointing new permanent secretaries.
Vacancies Across Regions
The vacancies available are found in the South-South, South-East, and other regions including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, and Zamfara.
Details Shared with Key Officials
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan, made the important details in the circular known to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Eligibility Criteria for Consideration
Yemi-Esan’s circular, dated April 19, 2024, highlighted the eligibility criteria, stressing that only directors who attained substantive director status by January 1, 2022, qualify for consideration.
“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.”
Additional Eligibility Requirements
The circular noted the commencement of the process for appointing Permanent Secretaries and emphasized 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 that eligibility criteria 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.
- Not retiring before December 31, 2025.
It also stated that officers currently undergoing disciplinary procedures are not considered for the selection process.