Six civil servants from the Ministry of Defence who were kidnapped while on their way to write promotion examinations in Abuja have been granted automatic promotion. The promotion was announced by the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, on Saturday in Abuja. Olaopa expressed regret over the kidnapping incident and commiserated with the victims on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the entire body of civil servants in Nigeria.
The commission decided to grant automatic promotion to the six civil servants as a compassionate gesture, taking into account the trauma they experienced during the kidnapping. Olaopa also highlighted the need for the commission to leverage technology to implement a more decentralised promotion examination process. This would enable candidates to take their exams without having to travel to Abuja.
The commission has been working on implementing a computer-based test (CBT) system for promotion examinations. According to Olaopa, the CBT method has been successful, with near 100% success rate, and has enhanced the credibility and transparency of the exercise. It has also reduced costs, manpower, and time expended.
The automatic promotion granted to the kidnapped civil servants is a welcome move by the Federal Civil Service Commission. However, it raises questions about the security of civil servants during official travels. The commission's decision to leverage technology to implement a more decentralised promotion examination process is a step in the right direction. It will enable candidates to take their exams without having to travel to Abuja, reducing the risk of kidnapping and other security threats. The commission's commitment to reform and modernisation of the public service system is commendable, but it must also address the systemic weaknesses that hinder the success of these reforms.
