Out of 92 Federal Permanent Secretaries that wrote promotion examination, 40 failed
Among the 92 directors who underwent the qualifying examination for permanent secretary positions on May 27, 2024, 40 directors scored below 50 percent, indicating failure.
According to reports from The Nation, three directors were absent, and one could not complete the exam, according to results obtained by our correspondent in Abuja.
A memorandum dated May 28, 2024, originating from the Office of the Head of Service, referred to as “HCSF/ CMO/ AOD/012/IX/59,” revealed that the next phase of the selection process will involve an ICT-based assessment.
This setback comes amid the federal government’s endeavors, coordinated through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, to address current and forthcoming vacancies through the appointment of new permanent secretaries.
These vacancies span various states, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, as well as regions within the South-East and South-South.
Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, communicated pertinent details in a circular addressed to key government officials such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Yemi-Esan’s circular, dated April 19, 2024, and personally signed, delineated eligibility criteria, emphasizing that only directors who achieved substantive director status by January 1, 2022, are eligible for consideration.
It specified the commencement of the process for appointing Permanent Secretaries, stressing the importance of adhering to eligibility criteria, updating records on the IPPIS Verification Portal, and maintaining a clean disciplinary record.
The circular, referenced as “HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/IX/24,” reads: “Following the approval of Mr. President, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is initiating the process for appointing Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service for current and anticipated vacancies in Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara states, South-East, and South-South geo-political zones, where current Permanent Secretaries have retired or will retire between April and September 2024.”
The memo specifies eligibility criteria, which entail attaining the rank of substantive Director on Salary Grade Level 17 by January 1, 2022, updating records on the IPPIS Verification Portal, originating from the designated states or geopolitical zones, and not retiring before December 31, 2025.
Furthermore, individuals undergoing disciplinary proceedings are ineligible for consideration in the selection process.
