The Fedeal Civil Service Commission has urged candidates taking part in the 2025 Directorate Level Promotion Computer-Based Test to be patient as the commission shifts from manual exams to a digital system.
The appeal comes after complaints from candidates about long travel distances, logistical issues, and technical difficulties. Some candidates had raised concerns on social media about challenges in the new process.
Responding on Monday, the commission’s spokesman, Taiwo Hassan, acknowledged the concerns. He said the transition to computer-based testing may present challenges for both candidates and the commission.
Hassan said, “The Federal Civil Service Commission solicits candidates’ understanding on the 2025 Directorate CBT Promotion Examinations. The FCSC informs the candidates sitting for the 2025 Directorates Level Promotion Examination that the commission is aware of the inconveniences they may go through while preparing for the CBT promotion examinations. However, as with most innovations, there may be some gaps. Transition from manual examinations to CBT comes with its attendant hurdles both for FCSC and the candidates.”
He added that the exams are being conducted using Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board facilities to ensure credibility, transparency, and convenience.
“As the commission leverages on JAMB facilities for the conduct of the 2025 Directorate Levels CBT examination, we are not only concerned about the credibility and transparency of the process, but also the convenience of the candidates, hence, the commencement of the first run exercise at JAMB Centres in the FCT,” Hassan said.
The spokesman further revealed that the commission is considering decentralising examination centres to all 36 states and the FCT in future exercises. He said other technology-based options are also being explored to improve the process.
“Following feedback from the public, the commission wishes to assure all candidates that it will consider the possibility of decentralising the examination centres across the 36 States and FCT, using other technology-enabled innovations to make the process seamless for future examinations,” Hassan said.
He also noted that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is looking into arrangements for ministries, departments, and agencies to process duty tour allowances for officers travelling outside their duty stations to sit for the exams.
“In the meantime, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is exploring the possibility of getting MDAs to process Duty DTA for eligible officers travelling outside their duty stations to sit for the examinations, in line with PSR 140107 and extant Financial Regulations, within the limits of available resources,” Hassan added.
