The Chairman of the Commission, Tunji Olaopa, disclosed the decision on Saturday in Abuja, describing the incident as deeply unfortunate and deserving of compassionate consideration.
According to him, the Commission, on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) and the entire federal workforce, approved the elevation of the affected officers to their next grade level as education officers.
“In recognition of the trauma experienced by the victims, the Commission has granted automatic promotion to the six candidates on compassionate grounds,” Olaopa stated.
The Chairman noted that the development has further strengthened the Commission’s resolve to reform its promotion processes. He revealed plans to deploy technology-driven, decentralised examination systems to eliminate the need for long-distance travel by candidates.
Olaopa made the remarks during a recognition dinner organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, led by Esther Walson-Jack, in honour of newly promoted directors.
He praised the ongoing transition from manual promotion exams to Computer-Based Tests (CBT), describing it as a major success that has improved transparency, reduced costs, and enhanced efficiency.
Despite the progress, Olaopa raised concerns about declining professional competence within the civil service, particularly in core administrative skills such as public service rules, financial regulations, and official communication.
He attributed some of the challenges to years of recruitment embargo, weak workforce planning, and structural inefficiencies across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The FCSC boss expressed optimism that ongoing human resource audits and reforms by the Office of the Head of Service would address these systemic gaps and reposition the civil service for improved performance.
He also called on newly promoted directors to embrace reform and act as change agents in driving Nigeria’s public service transformation.
