Kano State’s Head of Service, Usman Bala, has provided insight into the recent implementation of competency examinations for civil servants in the state.

According to Bala, this measure is intended to establish a benchmark for promoting officers based not only on years of service but on their performance and ability to fulfill the demands of their official duties at the promoted grade.

This information was shared in a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Civil Service Commission, Musa Garba.

The statement, which was obtained by reporters on Wednesday, reported that Bala offered this explanation during a courtesy visit by Dr. Umar Minjibir, the chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, and the commission’s management staff.

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“The competency examination is aimed at serving as a yardstick for promoting officers not only on the basis of satisfactory years of service but on performance and ability to deliver the exigencies of official responsibilities at that particular grade,” as quoted by Garba, reflecting the sentiments of the Head of Service.

Bala emphasized ongoing efforts to promote the adoption of Information and Communication Technology in the state’s daily governmental operations.

He stressed the necessity for revising succession plans within the service to promptly fill the void left by retiring officers.

Dr. Umar Minjibir, the CSC chairman, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with government and non-governmental organizations to enhance the state’s civil service.

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He highlighted that cooperation between the commission and the Head of Service’s office would result in a robust and reputable civil service, in line with global best practices.

Minjibir also commended the Head of Service for his review and realignment of the service’s procedures to align with international standards.

He urged the Head of Service to take measures to protect the Audu Bako Secretariat from unauthorized intrusions and disruptive activities that have hindered the working environment.