January 27, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the final phase of its civil service recruitment exercise with the conduct of oral interviews for candidates who scored 50 percent and above in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) held last year, beginning with the health sector.
The Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Mrs Ekereobong Umoh, disclosed this on Monday, during the commencement of the exercise at the commission’s headquarters, explaining that the decision to start with health professionals was in line with a specific directive by Governor Umo Eno to urgently strengthen the state’s medical workforce.
According to her, candidates currently being screened include pharmacists, radiographers, medical officers and pharmacy technicians, among others.
“We are starting with the health sector, which has about 25 cadres that we are going to address within the next two weeks or so. His Excellency gave a separate approval that many health workers should be recruited to strengthen the service”, Umoh said.
She commended Governor Eno for instituting what she described as a transparent and merit-driven recruitment process, stressing that political patronage has been eliminated.
“The era of ‘who you know’ is over. This is a process where if you pass, you pass”, she added.
Mrs Umoh explained that only candidates who scored 50 percent and above in the CBT were shortlisted for the oral interview, adding that anyone who appeared at the venue without meeting the benchmark was immediately disqualified.
She also warned candidates to present original copies of their academic and professional certificates, noting that the civil service does not process appointments based on result notifications alone.
“Some candidates came with notifications of results. We have told them to go back and bring their original certificates. That is what the civil service works with”, she clarified.
The commission chairman further revealed that the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy is collaborating with the commission by handling candidate accreditation to ensure the credibility and integrity of the exercise.
Addressing concerns about possible ‘godfatherism’, Umoh assured the public that recruitment would be strictly based on available vacancies and merit.
“If you don’t have anybody, you have God and you have the process set up by the Governor. Then you are good to go”, she said, reaffirming her commitment to integrity.
She added that while not all vacancies could be filled at once, successful candidates would be absorbed progressively as positions become available.
Some of the candidates expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, describing it as seamless and credible. They commended Governor Umo Eno for providing a conducive environment and ensuring transparency.
One of the candidates, Dr Victor Edom, from Uruan Local Government Area, said he was invited for the oral interview after scoring over 70 percent in the CBT.
“I received the email inviting me for the interview on Friday, and I thank God I was able to attend today. I appreciate the Governor for this transparent process”, he stated.
