Civil servants risk dismissal after failing exams three times - FG

The Federal Government has said junior civil servants could forfeit their jobs if they fail the mandatory promotion examination three times in a row.

The directive, aimed at boosting discipline and performance within the public service, was outlined in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The document was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaira, on behalf of the Head of Service.

According to the circular, the confirmation and promotion examination is not only required for career progression but also a key condition for remaining in service.

It stated that any officer who fails the exam after three consecutive attempts would be required to resign or exit the civil service.

The policy also sets a strict timeline, warning that employees who do not sit for the confirmation exam within three years of their initial appointment risk being forced out.

The government emphasised that the measure is rooted in existing Public Service Rules and must be fully implemented across all ministries, departments, and agencies.

Permanent Secretaries and heads of extra-ministerial offices have been directed to ensure strict adherence to the policy.

The 2026 COMPRO examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test and is designed for newly recruited officers on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.

Officials described the exam as essential for maintaining standards and professionalism in the federal civil service, noting that it remains a statutory requirement for junior officers seeking confirmation and promotion.

Eligible candidates have begun registration through the official portal and must complete the process online, submitting relevant documents via their respective MDAs.

To qualify, officers must have spent at least six months in service and be formally nominated by their agencies. They are also required to provide valid contact information and meet all registration conditions.

Authorities warned that candidates who fail to complete accreditation procedures on the scheduled date will not be allowed to sit for the examination.

The test will assess knowledge in key areas such as English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy.

The COMPRO examination has long been part of Nigeria’s federal civil service framework, anchored in provisions 030104 and 030105 of the Public Service Rules, and is used to evaluate competence for confirmation and advancement.

Although the rules have been in place for years, enforcement has been uneven. The latest move signals a renewed push to strengthen compliance, improve accountability, and enhance efficiency in the system.

Under the updated directive, exam performance will play a decisive role in job security, particularly for junior officers.

Observers say while the policy could help raise standards, it may also add pressure on workers operating within an already demanding public service environment