No fewer than 40 directors failed the qualifying examination for the appointment of permanent secretaries, according to information obtained by The PUNCH. Out of 92 directors who sat for the examination on May 27, 2024, 40 scored below 50 percent, indicating failure. Additionally, three directors were absent, and one was unable to complete the exam.
A memo dated May 28, 2024, from the Office of the Head of Service and tagged “HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/IX/59” noted that the next phase of the selection process will be an ICT-based test.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, had previously announced the commencement of the appointment process for new permanent secretaries to fill vacancies in Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ondo, Ebonyi, Jigawa,, Zamfara states, and the South-East and South-South zones. These vacancies are due to existing and impending retirements.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, outlined the details in a circular addressed to key government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Yemi-Esan emphasized that only directors who had reached the position of substantive director on or before January 1, 2022, would be considered.
The circular, dated April 19, 2024, and tagged “HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/IX/24,” stated that the selection process was approved by the President and was being initiated to address the vacancies for permanent secretaries in the specified states and geopolitical zones. The vacancies are due to retirements between April and September 2024.
candidates must meet the required eligibility requirements which include having attained the position of substantive director on Salary Grade Level 17 on or before January 1, 2022, having updated records on the IPPIS Verification Portal, being from the specified states or geopolitical zones, and not retiring before December 31, 2025. The memo also clarified that officers undergoing disciplinary procedures were excluded from participating in the exercise.
