At least 40 directors failed the qualifying examination for appointment as permanent secretaries, according to results obtained by The PUNCH. Out of 92 directors who sat for the exam on May 27, 2024, 40 scored below 50%, indicating failure. Three directors were absent, and one could not complete the exam.
The examination was part of the process for appointing new permanent secretaries to fill existing and impending vacancies in various states and zones. The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, had announced the commencement of the process in a circular dated April 19, 2024.
To be eligible, directors must have attained the position of substantive director on or before January 1, 2022, and meet other conditions. The next test will be an ICT-based test, according to a memo by the Office of the Head of Service.
The Federal Government is working to fill permanent secretary vacancies in various states and zones, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, South-East, and South-South.