The Edo State Civil Service Commission on Thursday conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 400 shortlisted candidates seeking employment as Agricultural and Environmental Officers, in a recruitment exercise described as a clear demonstration of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to practical governance.
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Sam Oko-Ose, mni, addressed journalists at the CBT centre in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and said the exercise was part of the governor’s earlier promise to open up employment opportunities for qualified Edo citizens. He noted that the recruitment process was driven strictly by merit.
Oko-Ose said, “Today, we are conducting a computer-based test for applicants for the vacant positions of Community Development Officers and Agricultural Officers.” He added, “When recruited, these officers will work in two ministries—the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Agriculture.”
According to him, more than 3,000 applicants initially applied for the positions, but only 400-plus candidates were shortlisted after a rigorous screening process. He explained that the drop in numbers was due to many applicants failing to meet the stated requirements.
He said, “The reason the number is that low is because most of those who applied are not eligible. They didn’t meet the requirements.” He added, “For example, when we asked for degree holders, HND holders also applied. Those with third-class degrees were excluded, and some records were not relevant to the positions advertised. There is no way we can appoint a medical doctor as an agricultural officer. That is why the number dropped to 400-plus who are sitting for this exam today.”
Oko-Ose noted that the commission operates in line with an established scheme of service and stressed that the CBT is only one stage in the recruitment process. He said, “The successful candidates in this test will come and face the commission for an oral interview. We will examine their credentials and ask them questions, and that will be the final stage.”
Reassuring candidates of fairness, the chairman emphasized the integrity and experience of the commission members. He stated, “I will assure every candidate that the commission, the Governor has made me head of today, is made up of people of integrity.”
He said, “I was a permanent secretary, and my sister to my left was also a permanent secretary. The same goes for others here. We have our reputation to protect.” He added, “More importantly, we know that Mr. Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, is a man of integrity. We cannot afford to disappoint him.”
Oko-Ose also said, “We are indigenes of Edo State, how can we fail our people? We can’t. The people of Edo State have confidence in us. Our duty is to join hands with Mr. Governor to move Edo State forward.” He stressed that, “It is only qualified persons that will be employed. Merit—No compromise. It is not negotiable. We stick strictly to the principle of merit.”
Two candidates who participated in the CBT, Omoregbe A. Rosemary and Aituayuwa Hawkins, commended the transparency of the exercise and expressed optimism about contributing to the Edo State civil service if employed.
The CBT exercise is seen as a follow-up to Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to strengthen the Edo State civil service through fresh recruitment.
