The Cross River State Government, through the Office of the Head of Service, has conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 263 duly cleared candidates shortlisted for the qualifying examination for consideration for appointment as Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service.
The examination was held on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Hub of the Calabar Campus of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
The exercise, a critical component of the selection process, was designed to assess candidates' knowledge, competence, administrative capacity and understanding of the workings of government, in line with the State Government's commitment to strengthening professionalism, merit and excellence in the public service.
Addressing the candidates before the commencement of the examination, the Head of Service, Cross River State, Mr Orok Bassey Okon, Esq., charged them to conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity and discipline throughout the exercise.
He specifically warned candidates against the use of mobile phones, electronic gadgets or any external devices during the examination, stressing that the integrity of the process must be protected by all participants.
The Head of Service urged candidates to rely solely on their knowledge and professional experience, noting that the examination was an important stage in determining those qualified for consideration for appointment to the prestigious position of Permanent Secretary.
The examination was supervised by distinguished and respected citizens of Cross River State, whose presence further reinforced the credibility, transparency and integrity of the exercise.
Speaking after the examination, Mr Uket Bassey Uket, a Director in the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) and one of the candidates, described the test as challenging but intellectually engaging.
According to him, the questions were broad-based and cut across various aspects of government, public administration and the operations of the civil service.
He noted that the examination tested not only candidates' professional knowledge but also their understanding of government processes and administration, describing the experience as a worthwhile assessment.
The conduct of the CBT represents another significant step by the Cross River State Government towards institutionalising a transparent, competitive and merit-driven process for the selection of senior officers to occupy critical leadership positions within the State Civil Service.
The exercise underscores the administration's commitment to building a highly competent, ethical and efficient public service capable of delivering on its mandate and advancing the development agenda of Cross River State.
By Kera Okem
