The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Thursday conducted a computer-based promotion examination for 6,000 directorate-level staff of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), marking a major shift toward technology-driven assessment in the public sector.
For candidates in the Federal Capital Territory, the examination took place at the JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Kogo, Bwari Area Council.
Speaking with journalists during the exercise, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the assessment was simultaneously conducted for candidates in four foreign countries — the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and Egypt — where JAMB deployed its personnel.
He described the initiative as a bold and commendable move by the FCSC, noting that the transition to CBT would help eliminate fears associated with digital examinations.
“This is a very bold initiative on the part of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and I’m not surprised because of its visionary leadership,” Oloyede said. “People do not need to die before death. The apprehension you could see when people were coming in was as if the computer is something they cannot handle. But once you know how to use your cell phone, you’ll be able to write our examination successfully.”
The Registrar said the initial anxiety of candidates quickly gave way to confidence.
“When I came into the hall, I could see apprehension, but by the time they saw the instructions, many of them became relaxed. I asked several of them questions and they were smiling,” he added.
FCSC Impressed With Conduct, Transparency of Exam
The Commissioner representing the FCT and Niger on the Federal Civil Service Commission, Dr. Hussaini Adamu, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination, noting that the process began on Wednesday with about 1,500 participants across three sessions.
He described the assessment as excellent and commended JAMB’s decades-long experience in running credible computer-based exams.
“The candidates were initially apprehensive, but after the commencement of the exercise, they were very happy. Many even preferred this transparent system to the previous pen-and-paper method,” he said.
Adamu noted that the exam halls were under remote CCTV surveillance, and the environment was conducive, with functional air conditioning and secure holding areas for candidates.
A Milestone for the Civil Service
Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Adetunji Olaopa, described the exercise as a historic milestone, being the first time the Commission would adopt CBT for promotion examinations.
He said the Commission was confident in the process because of its partnership with JAMB.
“This may look like a little progress, but it is significant for us in many ways. For the Federal Civil Service Commission, this is the first time we are doing a computer-based test,” Olaopa said.
“When some people advised caution, our confidence in JAMB — a national brand with decades of credibility — reassured us that we would succeed. Having Professor Ishaq Oloyede leading the process only strengthened that confidence.”
The successful deployment of CBT for 6,000 senior civil servants marks a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise public service assessments and reduce examination malpractice.