ABUJA, Nigeria — In a significant move towards modernising the recruitment processes, the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) announced the upcoming launch of an online portal for recruitment into the Federal Civil Service.
The announcement was made by FCSC’s Chairman, Tunji Olaopa, during the inaugural session of the commission’s monthly seminar series in Abuja on Friday, March 22, 2024.
According to Olaopa, the new online portal will democratize the recruitment process, allowing all Nigerians to access, pre-fill, and update their recruitment forms.
This initiative is designed to streamline the application process for both the public and Federal service, preparing candidates for subsequent assessments and interviews.
In a leap towards digital transformation, the chairman revealed plans for future candidates to undergo computer-based tests (CBT) and oral interviews, with results to be collated and released in real-time.
This method aims to foster a more efficient, transparent, and fair recruitment process.
Further advancing this digital shift, Olaopa disclosed the Commission’s strategy to partner with the National Open University and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
These partnerships are expected to leverage existing infrastructures, networks, and experiences for online accreditations, CBTs, and even promotion interviews for officers in the Federal Service, beginning with Directorate level officers.
The introduction of CBTs for civil servants’ promotion examinations in 2024 marks another milestone in phasing out traditional paper-based methods.
This transition aligns with the broader aim of modernizing and digitizing the core operations of the Federal Civil Service.
Olaopa noted that civil servants would be offered orientation sessions, including mock tests, to prepare for the 2024 promotion examination, scheduled for the third quarter of the year.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) during the COVID-19 pandemic in facilitating remote work, Olaopa expressed confidence in overcoming skepticism regarding the new initiatives.
The chairman also mentioned ongoing plans for further digitization and computerization programs, pending approval from President Bola Tinubu.
