FCSC Tests 5,792 Civil Servants In Nationwide Promotion Exercise
By JOANNA ILUSANMI
The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has conducted its 2026 Directorate Cadre Promotion Examination, with 5,792 civil servants participating in the nationwide exercise.
FCSC Chairman, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, disclosed the figure on Monday while inspecting examination centres in Abuja. He said about 5,900 candidates were initially expected to take part.
CBT Across Six Geopolitical Zones
The examination was conducted through computer-based testing (CBT) and decentralised across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
The arrangement was designed to make the examination more accessible to eligible civil servants and reduce the need for candidates to travel long distances.
Olaopa said 2,169 candidates sat for the examination in the FCT. Other candidates took the test at centres in Abeokuta, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Gombe and Lafia.
He said the CBT format had made the exercise easier to administer compared with the previous system.
“From what we have seen and observed today, it is clear that computer-based tests has come to stay. I can tell that it’s far, far easier to handle than in the past,” Olaopa said.
Connectivity Challenges Addressed
According to the commission, about 97 per cent of candidates arrived at their examination centres on time.
However, some centres experienced internet connectivity challenges. To minimise delays, the FCSC deployed alternative identification codes for affected candidates.
The commission also made arrangements for candidates with visual and physical challenges. Some of those candidates had not indicated their special needs before the examination.
Olaopa said the commission would continue to improve the CBT system, particularly in the areas of network connectivity, logistics and access to examination centres.
IT Skills May Become a Requirement
The chairman said the exercise had also highlighted the growing importance of basic digital skills among federal civil servants.
He disclosed that the commission was considering introducing an IT certification requirement as a pre-qualification for future promotion examinations.
According to Olaopa, the policy could be introduced from 2027.
“The policy that the government is working towards, and which we in the commission are planning to introduce, maybe from 2027 possibly, is some bit of IT licence as a pre-qualification,” he said.
Such a requirement would make digital competence an increasingly important part of career progression within the federal civil service.
Examination Continues Through 23rd September
The 2026 Directorate Cadre Promotion Examination is scheduled to run from 21 to 23 September.
At the end of the exercise, the FCSC is expected to review the process and use lessons from the examination to improve future promotion exercises.
The commission’s focus, according to Olaopa, will include strengthening digital infrastructure, improving logistics and ensuring that eligible civil servants can participate effectively regardless of their location or physical challenges.
