Eighteen out of 29 federal directors who sat for the Permanent Secretary Qualifying Examination have failed, raising concerns about the readiness of senior civil servants for top leadership roles within the Nigerian government.
This revelation came through an official memo from Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, who signed on behalf of the examination committee. The memo, which was issued to government officials, confirmed that only 11 directors managed to score above the required 50 per cent mark to pass the exam.
The exam is a crucial step in the selection process for the appointment of new permanent secretaries in Nigeria’s civil service, a position that holds significant responsibility in managing government departments.
The Permanent Secretary Qualifying Examination is part of a rigorous process designed to select competent leaders for Nigeria’s civil service. Permanent secretaries are the highest-ranking civil servants in government ministries, and they play a key role in implementing government policies and overseeing day-to-day operations.
To be eligible for the role, directors must demonstrate a deep understanding of the workings of government and a proven track record of administrative competence. The 50 per cent pass mark is seen as the minimum standard to ensure that only the most qualified individuals make it through to the next stages of selection.
The exam results have drawn attention to the state of leadership in the Nigerian civil service, with many questioning whether enough preparation and attention were given to this selection process. The failure rate of 62% (18 out of 29) has prompted calls for improvements in training and support for civil servants.
While 18 directors failed to meet the exam requirements, 11 directors will now move forward in the selection process. They will take part in the next stage of assessments scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025. This stage is expected to include further evaluations of the directors’ skills and qualifications, which will ultimately determine who secures the coveted role of permanent secretary.
“The exam is tough, but it is designed to ensure that only the best are selected for the role. It’s not just about passing the test, but about ensuring that the permanent secretaries we appoint are capable of leading ministries effectively,” said Dr. Segun Adebayo, a former civil servant and policy expert. “It’s a necessary process to ensure the integrity and competence of the Nigerian civil service.”
For the 11 successful candidates, the next steps offer a chance to demonstrate their capabilities in more in-depth assessments. However, for those who failed, the future remains uncertain, and they will need to reassess their readiness for future examinations.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, had previously announced the commencement of the selection process to fill vacant permanent secretary positions. This process is a significant event in the Nigerian public service, as it determines the leadership of critical government ministries.
In a separate memo signed by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the criteria for eligibility were outlined. Among the stipulations, it was made clear that officials currently undergoing disciplinary procedures would be barred from applying, ensuring that only those in good standing within the civil service would be considered for promotion.
As part of the selection process, the memo also confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the overall appointment process, which will follow a well-established procedure to ensure fairness and transparency.
The results of this exam are part of a broader effort to reform the Nigerian civil service and ensure that senior positions are filled with qualified, capable individuals. In recent years, the government has placed greater importance on improving the effectiveness of its public sector, with particular attention to the competence of those holding leadership roles.
The ongoing reforms in the civil service reflect a growing commitment to ensuring that government ministries are led by individuals with the necessary skills to navigate Nigeria’s complex administrative landscape. Over time, this could have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
As the remaining 11 successful candidates move on to the next stage, the process will continue to garner attention, with many Nigerians hoping for the appointment of permanent secretaries who will bring about meaningful change in government operations.
