Promotion Examination Policy in the Public Service has Generated Remarkable Benefits – AKS HCS
• Promotion Examination scheduled for Tomorrow, Saturday
The Promotion Examination Policy implemented in the State Civil Service has yielded significant benefits. Elder Effiong Essien, the Head of Civil Service, expressed this during the Pre-promotion Examination Seminar organized by the State Civil Service Commission at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Football field in Uyo.
Elder Essien explained that the policy ensures fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all individuals within the system. It has motivated employees to strive for career advancement, knowing that their performance in the examination is crucial.
He emphasized that the promotion examination serves to refresh, test, and enhance the knowledge base of the workforce, enabling the service to effectively tackle emerging challenges in the modern workplace.
Elder Essien highlighted the drawbacks of the previous practice, where officers were promoted solely based on mandatory years of service in a particular post. This approach led to a decline in the performance levels of some officers, as they became complacent, assuming that promotion was guaranteed every few years. The focus was shifted away from self-improvement and contributing to the system, resulting in a lackadaisical attitude towards service delivery.
He also emphasized the importance of public servants being proficient in ICT (Information and Communication Technology). The State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Gov. Umo Eno, is finalizing plans to implement e-government, which involves automating public service records and processes. It is now mandatory for all workers to acquire the necessary ICT skills to adapt to the digital workplace, or they may struggle to keep up with the computerized environment.
Elder Essien expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his genuine concern for workers’ welfare. He acknowledged the Governor’s approval for the seminar and examination, as well as the regular payment of workers’ entitlements. Additionally, he appreciated the Governor’s efforts in clearing the backlog of gratuity for retired primary school teachers/next of kin, and the promised 13th month basic salary as part of this year’s Christmas package, along with other people-oriented projects.
The Head of Civil Service praised the Civil Service Commission, led by Chairman Mrs. Ekerebong Umoh, for fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.
He encouraged all participants to actively engage in discussions and presentations during the seminar.
In her address, Mrs. Ekerebong Akpan, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for approving the 2023 Promotions process. She also acknowledged the extension of the Federal Government’s palliative measures to the State’s workers, as well as the provision of a thirteenth month salary.
Mrs. Umoh explained that the promotion examination policy was initiated by the Federal Civil Service Commission in 2006 and subsequently adopted by all states in the Federation, including Akwa Ibom State. The policy aims to enhance efficiency in the service by providing a fair assessment platform for civil servants aspiring to higher positions of responsibility.
She emphasized that the promotion examination aligns with the government’s capacity building agenda, as it equips participants with knowledge of service rules, regulations, extant circulars, and government policies relevant to their duties.
The Promotion Examination is scheduled to take place as follows:
DATE: Saturday, 2nd December 2023
TIME: 9.00 AM
VENUES:
✅Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo, for Officers on Salary Grade Level 06-08
✅Cornelia Cornely College, Afaha Oku, Uyo, for Officers on Salary Grade Level 09-10
✅Four Towns Comprehensive Secondary School, Abak Rd, Uyo, for Officers on Salary Grade Level 12-16
Notable attendees at the event included Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors.
