The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, has reaffirmed that the forthcoming 2025 Confirmation, Promotion, and Advancement Examinations for public servants are in strict compliance with the provisions of the Public Service Rules (PSR) 1 of 2013.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, Mrs. Oni explained that the exercise is in accordance with Chapter 6, Rule 060101 of the PSR, which stipulates that all officers joining the civil service or transferring from one establishment to another must pass the prescribed examinations before confirmation of appointment. The prescribed examinations, she noted, are clearly outlined in Sections 3 and 4 of the Rules.
According to the Head of Service, the Ministry of Establishments and Training had earlier, in a bid to maintain a uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aligned with Federal standards, issued Circular No. AD3/2/206/[VOL.II/157] dated May 11, 2021. The circular, she said, applies to all cadres across the Civil, Judicial, Legislative, and Local Government Services, including Commissions and Boards, mandating that all staff within the Junior (GL. 01–06), Sub-Officer (GL. 07–14), and Officer (GL. 08–17) cadres must pass the relevant examinations within two years of appointment before confirmation, advancement, or promotion.
Mrs. Oni also clarified that the only exemption applies to medical officers directly appointed to the Consultant Grade Level 15. While exempted from the written confirmation examination, such officers must still undergo a two-year probationary period and participate in an induction course jointly organised by the Office of the Head of Service and the Oyo State Hospital Management Board.
The Head of Service referenced a Civil Service Commission Circular Ref. No. C.16102/120, dated February 13, 2024, which mandates that officers in specialised and professional cadres must register, sit for, and pass five compulsory papers outlined in Section 060402 of the Public Service Rules (Vol. 1, 2013) before promotion beyond Grade Level 13. This, she said, is to ensure that officers are adequately prepared for higher managerial responsibilities.
In a bid to align with ongoing reforms, Mrs. Oni disclosed that the number of examination papers has been reviewed. Officer cadres will now write seven papers, sub-officer cadres five, and junior staff four, in line with earlier circulars issued by the Office of the Head of Service.
She assured that the exercise is not designed to frustrate or fail candidates but rather to promote professionalism, competence, and merit-based progression within the civil service. Importantly, the previous “fail one paper, fail all” policy has been abolished. Officers who fail any paper will now be allowed to resit only the failed subject in subsequent examinations.
Mrs. Oni further explained that while the examination is compulsory, it is only mandatory for those intending to advance in their careers, as passing the examination remains a prerequisite for confirmation, advancement, and subsequent promotion.
On the issue of examination fees, the Head of Service emphasised that payment for the exercise is not a new development but a long-standing practice, assuring that the process will remain transparent, fair, and credible.
She also commended the Ministry of Establishments and Training for recently concluding examinations for Clerical Officers on Grade Level 04 and related cadres, describing it as part of the continuous reform process aimed at strengthening the efficiency and professionalism of the Oyo State Public Service.
Mrs. Oni reiterated the state government’s commitment to upholding high standards in the civil service and ensuring that every officer’s progression is determined by competence, integrity, and dedication to duty.
