The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has recorded a more than 98 per cent success rate in the 2026 promotion examinations for directorate-level federal civil servants, with 5,792 of the 5,900 expected candidates having so far taken the computer-based test across the country.
FCSC Chairman, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, disclosed this on Monday after inspecting eight examination centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying the exercise was about 98 per cent complete, with only one centre scheduled to conduct its examination on Tuesday. He said the 2026 exercise was decentralised across the six geopolitical zones and the FCT to make participation easier for civil servants and improve access to promotion opportunities.
Olaopa said the examination was conducted in seven locations across the country, with Lafia serving the North-Central zone, Gombe the North-East, Kaduna the North-West, Port Harcourt the South-South, Enugu the South-East, Ibadan the South-West, and Abuja serving as the FCT centre.
He explained that some candidates from neighbouring states were assigned to centres that were more convenient for them, describing the arrangement as a departure from the 2025 promotion examination, which was conducted entirely in Abuja.
Speaking on the use of technology, Olaopa said the commission had successfully transitioned to computer-based testing (CBT), adding that the system was easier to manage than the manual examination process.
“From what we have seen and observed today, it is clear that computer-based testing has come to stay. It is far easier to handle than the manual system,” he said.
“Last year, it was a bit tedious for us, but this year, we have been able to handle it seamlessly.”
However, the FCSC chairman identified internet connectivity, computer literacy and logistics as some of the areas requiring improvement.
He said internet disruptions delayed the activation of the examination application at some centres but noted that the commission had an alternative identity-code system to prevent candidates from experiencing prolonged delays.
Olaopa also said the commission made provisions for candidates with disabilities, although some candidates with temporary visual impairments did not notify the commission ahead of the examination.
He said the commission had to improvise to accommodate such candidates.
On computer literacy, the chairman said some civil servants, particularly older workers, still needed more digital skills training.
He explained that the issue did not significantly affect the examination because the CBT platform was designed to be simple, while candidates were given demonstrations and guides on how to navigate the system.
Olaopa said ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) needed to intensify computer training for civil servants, particularly older workers.
He disclosed that the commission was considering introducing information technology certification as a prequalification for promotion examinations, possibly from 2027.
According to him, the proposed requirement would encourage civil servants to develop basic digital skills and reduce their fear of using technology.
The FCSC chairman also raised concerns about situations where the number of civil servants seeking promotion is significantly higher than the number of available vacancies.
He described cases where hundreds of candidates compete for a small number of vacancies as a sign of weaknesses in succession planning and human-resource management.
Olaopa attributed the situation to factors including recruitment backlogs, recruitment embargoes and historical inconsistencies in workforce planning.
He said the commission was working towards a system that would provide clearer and more sustainable career progression for federal civil servants.
The chairman commended FCSC staff, honorary commissioners, security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of the examination.
He particularly appreciated officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), representatives of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Department of State Services (DSS), among others.
Olaopa also said intelligence information received throughout the exercise contributed to its successful conduct.
Also speaking, Mr Yarima Mukhtar, Deputy Director, Employee Mobility and Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, commended the FCSC for decentralising the promotion examination.
Mukhtar said while the 2025 promotion examination was conducted only in Abuja, the 2026 exercise was extended to the six geopolitical zones in addition to the FCT.
He also commended JAMB for handling the CBT component of the examination, explaining that while JAMB was responsible for the computer-based testing, the FCSC remained responsible for the overall examination process.
Mukhtar said the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation would continue to work with the commission to ensure the effective promotion of eligible civil servants.
He added that promotion remained one of the major sources of motivation and career satisfaction for civil servants.
