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The pioneering Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission, Emeka Eze, has revealed how the introduction of computer-based testing (CBT) and rigorous resistance to external influence have dismantled long-standing cronyism and meritless promotion within the FCT civil service.
Eze was speaking during a panel session on the second day of the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) organized by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja.
He explained that before the reforms, promotions within the system were often driven by influence and personal connections rather than competence and measurable performance.
According to him, the Commission decided to institutionalize transparent examinations and merit-based processes despite intense opposition from vested interests within and outside the service.
He revealed that during the Commission’s first CBT recruitment exercise for 60 residential training positions, more than 174,000 applications were received, but only six candidates passed the exam.
“Oddly enough, from the applications we were only able to get six people. We were looking for 60 people and we only found six. There was no pressure that wasn’t applied and I said no, I have to follow the rules. If you don’t pass, you don’t pass,” he said.
He said the transparency inherent in the CBT process made manipulation almost impossible because candidates could immediately view their scores after completing the exam.
He recalled the fierce resistance that greeted the Commission’s decision to subject over 8,000 officers to CBT promotion exams.
“For the first time I have to tell you that the FCT Commission played a dirty trick by adopting CBT for promotion. All over the FCT there was hot water. At one point, people said: ‘The president must go!’
“I said everyone had to go and take the exam. They said if we didn’t take the exam, I said if I didn’t take the exam, you have to take the exam this time,” he said.
Despite pressure from various interests, Eze disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, never interfered with the process.
“Fortunately for me, the minister never intervened. He never called me for a day to say, ‘What do you think about this person?’ Never,” he said.
He said he rejected attempts by influential individuals to manipulate scores in favor of preferred candidates, insisting that only those who met the required standards would be promoted.
According to him, the use of technology and consistency in the application of the rules have contributed to neutralizing the patronage networks rooted within the system.
“The introduction of technology, being consistent, has helped me withstand the pressure associated with the system,” he said.
He revealed that the Commission has now fully automated parts of its promotion and confirmation processes, allowing successful officials to download confirmation letters online immediately after meeting the required benchmarks.
“Once you reach the minimum and click on the exam number, your name appears, you go to print and print your letter. This way you can deliver confirmation letters within a day because everyone has worked online, seen his result and printed it,” he said.
Also speaking during the session moderated by former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Joe Abah, Chairman of the Kano State Civil Service Commission, Ladidi Garko, said the Kano commission has embarked on the digitization of its register to curb fraud, improve efficiency and strengthen transparency in personnel management.
He described the Kano State Civil Service Commission as one of the oldest and most experienced institutions in the country, tracing its roots to the erstwhile Public Service Commission established at the creation of Kano State.
He said the Commission benefits from experienced leadership composed largely of retired and serving career public officials who understand the workings of the public service system.
According to her, the main challenge the Commission faced was the management of voluminous paper files within the registry, which created opportunities for manipulation, delays and fraudulent practices.
“The main problem we had was the voluminous files in our registry. But thanks to the Kano State Government, the governor approved the digitization of the Commission’s registry.
“That’s where we have the main problem, because of fraud and other factors. But digitalization is happening now, and I think when we have it, most of our problems will be solved,” he said.
He stressed that the examinations remain the bedrock of merit-based recruitment and promotion within the Kano Civil Service.
“When you set a standard that anyone who wants to be promoted has to pass an exam, I think most of the problem is really solved because you have to pass the exam to get promoted,” he said.
He added that similar standards also apply to hiring in the service, noting that candidates are required to pass qualification exams before hiring.
Commission Chair Kano stressed that a productive and disciplined public service can only thrive when merit, fairness and accountability remain central to decision-making.
“The Commission has the dual role of rewarding excellence and enforcing discipline, because a strong civil service must rest on both pillars,” he said.
He further revealed that the Commission holds regular monthly sessions to ensure prompt management of promotions, transformations, transfers and disciplinary matters to avoid stagnation within the service.
He reaffirmed that the guiding principles of the Kano State Civil Service Commission remain equity, transparency and meritocracy, urging promoted officials to justify their advancement through dedication, professionalism and improved service delivery to the people of Kano State.
