By Joy Salami
Kogi State government has conducted competency test for 60 senior civil servants in the state.
The four-day exercise which involved computer-based examination and oral interview segments, was part of measures tailored at nominating prospective Permanent Secretaries to fill the 12 vacant positions in the civil service.
A total of 60 Senior Directors, made up of 5 candidates from 10 Local government areas, namely, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina-Biraidu, Kabba-Bunu, Okene I, Ogori-Mangogo, Okene II, Okehi, Yabba-East, Olamaboro, and Mopa-Amuro, took part in the exercise.
The selection process was stringent, ensuring only the most qualified candidates were considered for the critical administrative roles.
Kogi State Head of Service, Mr. Elijah Evinemi, explained that his office had organised a comprehensive capacity building program as a prelude to the qualifying examination. “Before today’s examination, there have been lectures and training sessions to prepare the directors,” he added.
He further explained that the selection criteria was based on hierarchy and availabile positions in each of the local governments. “We selected the five most senior directors from each local government with vacant positions, ensuring they had a minimum of one year in service before retirement.”
Mr. Evinemi emphasized that the method adopted for selecting prospective permanent secretaries was not new to Kogi state, citing a similar exercise conducted in 2016. “The state governor directed that the next set of Permanent Secretaries be appointed based on merit, hence the need for this examination.Personnel from the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Abuja, who conducted similar exercises for other states, were invited to oversee the process ” he further said.
On his part, Dr.Tunde Adeniran from the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, (PSIN), commended the manner the exercise was organised stressing that, “PSIN is a foremost management development institute in Nigeria. Our aim is to develop the capacity of public servants through training, promotion exams, recruitment, and Consultancy services. This exercise aligns with our mission ”
He further highlighted the importance of regular training and capacity building seminars of this nature for civil servants adding that the initiative would enhance efficiency in service delivery as only experienced and competent personalities will be appointed into government positions.
During a chat with The Graphic, some of participants shared their views on the exercise. In his reaction, Executive Editor of The Graphic, Mr. James Oyewole, one of the candidates from Ogori-Mangogo LGA, described the process as fair and innovative. “This exercise will not only ensures merit-based appointments, but also impact valuable knowledge and capacity training” While urging the state government to make it a continuous exercise.
Reacting, Mrs. Owuda Ovayoza, Senior Director of Art and Culture, from Okene LGA, expressed optimism the the process would yield the desired result. “This exercise is crucial in ensuring the right individuals are placed in significant roles. It tested our technical knowledge and adaptability to modern administrative demands”
Contributing, the current state Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists,(NUJ), and one of the candidates from Dekina-Biraidu from the Ministry of Information, Alhaji Seidu Haruna, appreciated the governor’s efforts tailored towards organising a transparent process.
According to him,the computer-based examination was a testament to government’s commitment to excellence and transparency in public service.
Mrs Obanawu Taiye, a Senior Director from Kabba Bunu LGA from the Public Financial Management Unit ,(PFMU), ANRIN under the Accountant General’s Office, also participated in the competency test. She described the manner the exercise was conducted as commendable and emphasized the importance of a fair and merit-based selection process.
The competency test for Permanent Secretary position in Kogi State, represents a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the state’s public service sector. The successful candidates are expected to bring a wealth of experience and innovation to their roles, contributing to the overall development of Kogi State.
