The Kwara State Government has officially transitioned its civil service promotion examinations from traditional paper-based assessment to a computer-based testing (CBT) system, marking a significant milestone in the state’s public service reform agenda.
The exercise, which was conducted at the CBT centre of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, represents the first time civil servants in the state will undergo promotion examinations using a fully digitised platform.
Speaking during an inspection of the exercise, the Acting Head of Service, Olufunke Shittu, described the development as a transformational step aimed at strengthening transparency, credibility, and efficiency in the state’s promotion process.
She explained that the reform was designed to eliminate long-standing challenges associated with paper examinations, including missing scripts, delays in marking, and human errors that often affected outcomes.
“This is not just an examination; it is a transformation process. What we are witnessing today is the beginning of a new era in the Kwara civil service,” she said.
According to her, the initiative aligns with global best practices in public administration and reflects the government’s commitment to modernising governance systems through technology.
Olufunke noted that the successful rollout of the CBT promotion examination was made possible through the support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently championed innovation in public service delivery.
She also commended the Kwara State Civil Service Commission for its role in coordinating the exercise, stressing that extensive preparation and staff training contributed to the smooth conduct of the examinations.
The Acting Head of Service further urged civil servants to embrace digital literacy, noting that technological competence is now essential for effective performance in modern governance structures.
“Digital literacy is no longer optional in today’s workplace. Civil servants must evolve with the system as we deepen these reforms,” she added.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, performance-driven civil service, assuring that adequate technical support was in place to ensure a seamless experience for all candidates.
The introduction of CBT for promotion examinations is expected to enhance accountability, improve efficiency, and strengthen confidence in the Kwara State civil service promotion system moving forward.
