Junior civil servants working with the Federal Government risk losing their jobs if they fail their compulsory promotion examination three consecutive times, The PUNCH reports.

This followed a directive by the Federal Government aimed at enforcing discipline and improving performance in the public service.

The warning 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, Career Management Office, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaira, on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to the directive, the compulsory confirmation/promotion examination is not only a requirement for career advancement but also a decisive condition for continued employment.

“An officer who fails the examination after three consecutive attempts shall, by virtue of such failures, be required to resign or withdraw from the service,” the circular stated.

It also introduced a strict timeline for participation, warning that failure to take the examination within a specified period could equally lead to exit from service.

“An officer who fails to take the confirmation examination after three years of his/her first appointment shall be required to resign from service,” it added.

The government stressed that the policy was backed by existing Public Service Rules and must be enforced across all ministries, departments and agencies.

“The Permanent Secretary/Head of Extra-Ministerial Office shall ensure strict compliance and enforcement,” it said.

The 2026 COMPRO examination, which will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test, is targeted at newly recruited officers on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.

Authorities described the examination as central to maintaining standards within the federal civil service.

“The examination… is a statutory requirement for the career progression of all junior officers in the Public Service,” Dr Ukaira explained.

Registration for the exercise has commenced via the official portal, with eligible officers required to complete the process online and submit necessary documentation through their respective MDAs.

“The examination portal is now open for candidates’ registration,” he confirmed.

To participate, candidates must have served for at least six months and must be formally nominated by their MDAs.

They are also required to provide valid contact details and complete all registration procedures.

Failure to comply with accreditation requirements will automatically disqualify candidates from sitting the examination.

“Candidates who failed to be accredited on the stipulated date would not be allowed to sit for the examination,” Dr Ukaira warned.

The examination will test candidates in key areas of public administration, including English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy, among others.

The COMPRO examination is a long-established requirement within Nigeria’s federal civil service, designed to assess competence and readiness for confirmation and promotion.

It is anchored in the Public Service Rules, particularly provisions 030104 and 030105.

While the rules have existed for years, enforcement has often been inconsistent.

The latest directive signals a renewed effort by the government to ensure compliance, strengthen accountability, and improve efficiency within the system.

The policy effectively makes performance in the promotion examination a condition for job security, especially for junior officers.

Analysts say the move could improve standards but may also increase pressure on workers navigating an already demanding system. (PUNCH)

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