The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the oral interview stage of its ongoing civil service recruitment exercise for candidates who successfully passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT), bringing the process closer to final selection.

The interview exercise officially began on Monday at the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission Headquarters, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo. This stage represents the final phase of the recruitment process, following the completion of online registration and the CBT.

Speaking with journalists at the venue, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Ekereobong Umoh, assured residents that the exercise would be transparent, fair, and credible, in line with the directive of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno PhD.

Mrs. Umoh expressed appreciation for the smooth take-off of the interview process, noting that the governor has full confidence in the Commission.

“We thank God for today. This marks the beginning of the final stage of the recruitment process. His Excellency has absolute confidence in the Commission and believes strongly that the process must be transparent, fair, and inclusive, giving qualified Akwa Ibom people the opportunity to serve in the civil service,” she said.

She stressed that integrity remains her guiding principle, assuring candidates that the interview stage would be handled with seriousness and fairness.

“Anyone who knows me understands my commitment to integrity. This process will be conducted excellently well. Only those who registered on the portal, followed due process, and passed the CBT are here today. This is the final stage of selection,” Mrs. Umoh added.

The Commission Chairman explained that the interview panel would screen candidates, verify their credentials, and ask questions relevant to their professions to determine suitability for civil service appointments.

She disclosed that the interview exercise commenced with candidates from the health sector, noting that professionals in this area are expected to meet high standards.

“The health sector is our starting point. These are professionals, and we expect their credentials and competence to be in order. From indications so far, the process will be smooth,” she said.

According to her, the Commission is conducting the interviews with the support of resource persons drawn from various ministries and professional fields, including directors and heads of departments, who will assess candidates based on professional requirements.

“In the health sector alone, we have over 20 cadres, and heads of the various professions are on ground to ensure that candidates meet the required standards. We will replicate this process across other sectors,” she explained.

Mrs. Umoh further assured that all over 12,000 candidates who passed the CBT would be screened in batches, stressing that the process would remain orderly.

Describing the recruitment exercise as a landmark initiative, she commended Governor Umo Eno for introducing a system that guarantees equal opportunity for all applicants.

“This is a novel idea and a clear demonstration of His Excellency’s commitment to fairness. He made it clear that if you did not register, even if you are his child, you are not eligible. That level of transparency speaks volumes,” she said.

She reaffirmed her readiness to fully implement the governor’s directive and deliver a credible recruitment process that will leave Akwa Ibom people satisfied.