New perm secs: 14 candidates proceed to ICT proficiency test

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has released the results of the written examination conducted for aspiring Permanent Secretaries, marking the successful completion of the first stage of the rigorous selection process.

Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director, Press and Public Relations OHCSF, on Tuesday in a statement said that 14 candidates have progressed to the subsequent phase of the exercise from a total of 25 candidates who participated in the initial written examination.

This indicates that 11 of the 25 candidates failed this initial written examination.

“The next stage, an Information and Communication Technology proficiency test, is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

“This critical phase is designed to evaluate the digital competencies of the candidates, a fundamental requirement for effective leadership within a modern and technology-driven governance framework,” Olotu said.

Commenting on the result, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack,, affirmed that the entire process is being conducted with the utmost credibility and competitiveness.

She emphasized that the exercise is a direct reflection of the Federal Government’s reform agenda, aimed at building a professional, accountable, and future-ready public service.

The HCSF declared that the Office is committed to a transparent and merit-based process that identifies leaders of proven competence, unwavering integrity, and strategic vision to steer the Federal Civil Service.

She reassured Nigerians that the entirety of the selection exercise will continue to be guided by the principles of fairness and integrity, in strict alignment with the broader governance and public service renewal agenda of the Federal Government.