JAMB Conducts CBT Promotion Examination for 6,000 Federal Directors

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Thursday administered a computer-based promotion examination for 6,000 directorate-level officers under the Federal Civil Service Commission.

In the Federal Capital Territory, the exercise was held at JAMB’s CBT centre in Kogo, Bwari Area Council.

Speaking during the exercise, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the examination was simultaneously conducted for candidates in the United Kingdom, United States, India, and Egypt.

He described the initiative as a bold step by the Federal Civil Service Commission, noting that the reliance on CBT would help reduce anxiety associated with technology.

“I think it’s important to emphasise that this is a very bold initiative by the Federal Civil Service Commission, driven by visionary leadership,” he said. “Many candidates arrived apprehensive, as if operating a computer was beyond them, but the system is simple. If you can use a phone, you can take this exam it’s just A, B, C, and you don’t even need the mouse.”

Oloyede added that the exam’s deployment across four countries demonstrated JAMB’s capacity to manage large-scale CBT operations globally.

He noted that initial nervousness among candidates quickly gave way to confidence after they settled in. “When I entered the hall, many were anxious, but once the instructions became clear, they relaxed. I interacted with several of them, and they were smiling,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Hussaini Adamu, Commissioner representing the FCT and Niger on the Federal Civil Service Commission, expressed satisfaction with the process. He disclosed that the exercise began on Wednesday, with about 1,500 candidates participating across three sessions.

“My assessment is that this has been an excellent exercise. It reflects JAMB’s decades of experience. Although candidates were initially tense, many now prefer the CBT method to the old pen-and-paper system. It is transparent and efficient,” he stated.

Adamu added that CCTV cameras monitored the halls to prevent malpractice, noting that the environment was secure, well-cooled, and properly organised.

Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Adetunji Olaopa, said this was the first time the commission would adopt CBT for promotion examinations. He commended the flawless conduct of the test for the 6,000 director-level candidates.

“It is a modest step, but highly significant for us,” he said. “Computer-based testing is already widely accepted, but this is our first attempt. We had confidence because we partnered with JAMB, an institution with decades of expertise. With Professor Ishaq Oloyede leading the process—someone known for integrity and results—we knew we were in safe hands.”