JAMB conduct 1st-ever computer-based promotion exam for 6,000 civil servants

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Thursday conducted a computer-based promotional examination for 6,000 directorate-level officers under the Federal Civil Service Commission, FCSC, marking the first time such an assessment was held using digital testing.

The exercise took place at JAMB’s Computer-Based Test Centre in Kogo, Bwari Area Council, for candidates in the Federal Capital Territory, with simultaneous sessions conducted in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and Egypt.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, commended the initiative, describing it as a visionary step by the FCSC to modernize civil service assessments. He noted initial apprehension among candidates, many of whom were unfamiliar with computer-based testing, but said participants quickly adapted once they understood the system’s simplicity.

“Once you know how to use your cell phone, you will be able to write our examination successfully because it’s just A, B, C, and you don’t need to touch the mouse,” he said.

Dr. Hussaini Adamu, Commissioner representing the FCT and Niger State on the FCSC, praised the exercise’s transparency and professionalism, highlighting JAMB’s efficiency and the secure, well-monitored environment. He revealed that the exercise began on Wednesday, November 12, accommodating about 1,500 candidates in three batches, and continued smoothly across multiple centres nationwide.

FCSC Chairman, Prof. Adetunji Olaopa, described the exercise as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s civil service reform.

“It may seem a little progress, but it is significant for us in many ways,” he said, explaining that adopting CBT for the first time demonstrated the commission’s readiness to embrace innovation.

Olaopa added that partnering with JAMB, renowned for its integrity and expertise, ensured the credibility of the process.

He reaffirmed that the adoption of computer-based testing aligns with the government’s broader strategy to modernize the civil service, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency in staff assessments.