Eighteen out of 29 federal directors who participated in the qualifying examination for Permanent Secretary positions have failed, falling below the required 50% pass mark.
This was revealed in a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Gabriel Aduda, on behalf of the examination committee.
According to the memo, only 11 candidates met the minimum score and will advance to the next phase of the selection process, scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
FG Moves to Fill Vacant Permanent Secretary Positions
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, had earlier announced the commencement of the selection process to appoint new permanent secretaries.
A separate memo signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, specified that directors currently under disciplinary review were ineligible to apply. This measure aims to uphold integrity and accountability within the federal civil service.
President Tinubu Approves Selection Process
The memo further confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment process, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and merit-based recruitment.
Additionally, the document highlighted that only candidates from designated states were eligible, ensuring compliance with the Federal Character principle, which promotes balanced representation in public service appointments.
With the next stage of the selection process approaching, attention is now on the successful candidates as they move closer to securing permanent secretary positions in the federal civil service.
