The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Thursday administered a computer-based promotion test for 6,000 senior officers under the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that the examination was also held for participants in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and Egypt.

Oloyede hailed the initiative as a commendable move by the commission, praising its leadership for adopting technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in the civil service promotion process.

He outlined that the computer-based test (CBT) format was designed to be user-friendly, adding that anyone familiar with using a mobile phone could successfully write the exam.

The registrar stated that the examination’s international reach demonstrated the commission’s capacity to deploy technology effectively and conduct credible assessments for government institutions.

Oloyede added that the initiative would help reduce apprehension among civil servants about using computers for official assessments.

He said many candidates who were initially anxious about the CBT format appeared more confident after understanding the process, describing it as straightforward and accessible.

The JAMB boss applauded the Federal Civil Service Commission for its collaboration, disclosing that adopting digital examinations would enhance credibility and reduce malpractice in the system.

Also speaking, the Commissioner representing the FCT and Niger on the Federal Civil Service Commission, Dr Hussaini Adamu, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

Adamu said the assessment began on Wednesday with about 1,500 candidates taking part in three sessions, adding that the process was smooth and well-coordinated.

He outlined that candidates initially expressed apprehension but later preferred the CBT method to the previous pen-and-paper system, describing it as more transparent and efficient.

According to him, the centres were equipped with CCTV cameras and functioning systems, while the environment was conducive for effective examination conduct.

He praised JAMB for maintaining high standards and professionalism, stating that the process reflected the board’s long-standing expertise in computer-based testing.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Adetunji Olaopa, stated that it was the first time the commission would utilize the CBT method for its promotion examination.

Olaopa stated that the initiative marked a significant step toward modernising the nation’s civil service assessment system, adding that the collaboration with JAMB provided the technical confidence needed for the project.

He outlined that the commission decided to start on a small scale before expanding nationwide, using lessons from the exercise to improve future editions.