FG Moves To Dismiss Civil Servants Who Fail Exams

According to Ireporter Online, junior-level federal civil servants risk dismissal if they fail their compulsory promotion examination three consecutive times under a new directive aimed at strengthening discipline and efficiency in the public service.

The policy was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, Dr. Binyerem Ukaira, on behalf of the Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack.

The directive forms part of ongoing reforms designed to improve productivity and enforce accountability across ministries, departments, and agencies. It stipulates that passing the confirmation or promotion examination is now a mandatory requirement not only for career advancement but also for continued employment in the civil service.

Under the new rule, any officer who fails the examination three times in a row will be required to exit the service. In addition, employees who fail to sit for the confirmation examination within three years of recruitment will also be removed from the system.

The government stated that the policy is anchored on existing Public Service Rules and must be strictly implemented across all federal institutions, with heads of MDAs directed to ensure full compliance.

The 2026 Confirmation and Promotion Examination (COMPRO), which will be conducted via a computer-based testing system, is targeted at newly recruited staff on salary grade levels 01 to 06. Officials explained that the exercise is intended to assess competence, knowledge, and readiness for confirmation or promotion.

Registration for the examination has already commenced online, with eligible officers required to complete the process through their respective MDAs. Candidates must have served for at least six months and be formally nominated to qualify.

Applicants are also expected to provide accurate contact information and complete all required registration procedures, as failure to meet accreditation standards will result in disqualification from sitting for the test.

The examination will cover core areas including English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy.

The COMPRO assessment has long existed within Nigeria’s civil service framework under the Public Service Rules, although enforcement has varied in previous years.