The Oyo State Government has announced a major recruitment process, as 15,000 candidates prepare to battle for just 900 positions in the state’s civil service.
The recruitment exercise, which includes a computer-based test (CBT), is set to take place from Monday, 25th November to Thursday, 28th November 2024.
Alhaji Kamoru Abiodun Aderibigbe, Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, made the announcement during a press briefing at his office in Ibadan. He revealed that the government had approved the recruitment of 900 officers to fill various positions across over 60 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state.
“This recruitment exercise is unprecedented in the history of Oyo State,” Aderibigbe said, emphasizing that this was the first time in over 20 years that the state would conduct such a large-scale recruitment. He highlighted that previous recruitments were typically done on a smaller scale, based on specific cadres.
The government received 22,235 applications for the 900 available positions. However, only 15,000 applicants, or 67% of the total applicants, met the advertised criteria and were deemed qualified for the upcoming CBT.
Aderibigbe explained that the selected candidates would be tested based on their qualifications and the positions they applied for. He noted that the exercise is part of a broader effort by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to expand the state’s civil service and create more employment opportunities for Oyo’s youth.
“This administration has broken new ground,” Aderibigbe said. “We are not just filling a few slots. We are building a system that will empower our people and improve governance in Oyo State.”
In recent years, Governor Makinde has overseen several recruitment efforts aimed at addressing gaps in the state’s workforce. Notable recruitment drives under his leadership include the hiring of 60 Environmental Health Officers, 692 Education Officers, and 30 State Counsels in 2020. Earlier this year, 19 officers were hired for the Ministry of Lands.
The upcoming CBT will be conducted in two phases. Candidates vying for positions in education, environmental health, social welfare, and youth services will take their exams on Monday, 25th and Tuesday, 26th November at the Arch. Bamidele Samson CBT Centre, located opposite the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Candidates for other positions will take their exams at the Distance Learning CBT Centre, Ajibode, Ibadan, on Thursday, 28th November 2024.
Aderibigbe confirmed that successful applicants have already started receiving invitations to participate in the CBT. Those who have not yet received their invitations can check their status on the Oyo State Government portal.
To participate, candidates are required to bring their printed application forms and invitation slips to their designated exam centers.
Governor Makinde, in his support for the recruitment process, expressed pride in the state’s commitment to providing jobs for its young people. He thanked the Oyo State Civil Service Commission for their efforts and stressed that the recruitment was a key part of his administration’s vision for youth empowerment.
Aderibigbe urged all candidates to conduct themselves with discipline throughout the process, stating that the exercise is not just a test of knowledge, but also a reflection of the candidates’ ability to represent the state with dignity and professionalism.
“Your behavior throughout this process matters,” Aderibigbe told applicants. “You are not only representing yourselves but also the state of Oyo. Please be disciplined, and carry yourselves in a manner that will make us all proud.”
The Oyo State Civil Service Commission has also provided guidelines to help candidates prepare for the CBT. The exam will assess various competencies, including general knowledge, reasoning skills, and specific knowledge related to the positions being filled.
“This process is designed to be fair and transparent,” Aderibigbe assured. “We want to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected for these important positions.”
