The Ministry of Defence says 18 out of 29 federal directors who sat for the Permanent Secretary qualifying examination failed, scoring below the required 50 per cent threshold.
This was disclosed in a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Gabriel Aduda, on behalf of the examination committee.
According to the memo, the 11 directors who passed would proceed to the next stage of the selection process, scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, had earlier announced the commencement of the selection process to fill vacant permanent secretary positions.
A separate memo, signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, stated that officials undergoing disciplinary procedures were barred from applying.
It also confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment process.
Additionally, the memo emphasised that only candidates from specific states were eligible to ensure compliance with the Federal Character principle. [The Punch]
