*By Joel Gwom,
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has expressed satisfaction with the orderly and seamless commencement of the 2026 Directorate Cadre Promotion Examination across the country.
Prof. Olaopa stated this on Monday after inspecting eight examination centres within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to him, the Commission had planned for about 5,900 candidates, with 5,792 candidates participating in the exercise so far.
He explained that the examination was decentralised across the six geopolitical zones to enhance accessibility and improve overall administration.
The FCSC boss noted that candidates were distributed across centres in the FCT, South-West, South-East, South-South, North-West, North-East and North-Central zones, with the FCT recording the highest number due to its proximity to neighbouring states, including Kogi and Niger.
Prof. Olaopa described the adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) as a significant step in modernising and professionalising the promotion process.
He said the CBT system has proved easier to administer than the manual method, while ensuring standardisation, transparency and efficient assessment.
He disclosed that about 97 per cent of candidates reported on time, while cases of late arrival were appropriately managed, commending candidates for their orderly conduct.
The Chairman acknowledged initial internet connectivity challenges at some centres but said the Commission provided an alternative candidate identification code which enabled affected candidates to access the examination without prolonged delay.
He also said provisions were made for candidates with visual and physical challenges, adding that the Commission, working with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), made necessary adjustments to accommodate eligible candidates who had not earlier communicated their special needs.
Addressing concerns about computer literacy, Prof. Olaopa said the CBT platform was designed to be simple and user-friendly, requiring only basic navigation skills.
He said demonstration materials were made available ahead of the examination and urged civil servants to continuously improve their digital competencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the promotion process, he stressed that career progression in the Civil Service must be based on merit, competence and performance.
Rating the 2025 exercise at about 68 per cent, Prof. Olaopa said the 2026 exercise had improved significantly to not less than 90 per cent, identifying logistics, network dependence and question-setting as areas for further improvement.
He appreciated candidates, examination officials, JAMB and other stakeholders for their cooperation, while reaffirming the Commission’s determination to make the process more accessible, efficient and credible.
