The Edo State Civil Service Commission on Thursday conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for shortlisted candidates seeking employment as Agricultural and Environmental Officers, marking another step in Governor Monday Okpebholo’s drive to strengthen the state civil service through merit-based recruitment.
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Sam Oko-Ose, mni, who spoke to journalists at the CBT centre in Benin City, said the exercise was in fulfilment of the governor’s earlier promise to create employment opportunities for qualified Edo citizens and entrench transparency in the recruitment process.
Oko-Ose explained that the recruitment is for vacancies in the Ministries of Local Government and Agriculture, adding that the CBT represents one of several stages designed to ensure only competent candidates are selected.
According to him, more than 3,000 applicants initially applied for the positions, but only about 400 candidates were shortlisted after a rigorous screening exercise.
He noted that many applicants were disqualified for failing to meet the stipulated requirements, including wrong qualifications and irrelevant academic backgrounds.
“The number reduced significantly because many applicants were not eligible. Some did not meet the educational requirements, while others applied for positions unrelated to their fields of study,” he said.
The CSC chairman stressed that the commission operates strictly in line with the established scheme of service, adding that candidates who succeed in the CBT will proceed to an oral interview, which will serve as the final stage of the recruitment process.
He assured applicants of a transparent and credible exercise, describing the commission as one made up of individuals with proven integrity and experience in public service.
“It is only qualified persons that will be employed. Merit is non-negotiable, and we are determined to uphold it at every stage of this process,” Oko-Ose said.
Some candidates who participated in the CBT also expressed confidence in the process. Omoregbe A. Rosemary, an applicant for the Environmental Officer position, and Aituayuwa Hawkins, who applied for Agricultural Officer, commended the transparency of the exercise and expressed optimism about contributing to the development of Edo State if eventually employed.
The CBT exercise is widely viewed as a continuation of Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to strengthening the state civil service through fresh, merit-driven recruitment, reinforcing the administration’s pledge to translate policy promises into concrete action.
