Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and merit in public service recruitment as he inspected the newly completed Computer Based Test Centre at the State Secretariat in Uyo. The centre, equipped with cutting-edge digital facilities, can conduct up to two thousand tests daily, marking a new phase in the state’s effort to modernize civil service operations.
Accompanied by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, and the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, the governor toured the centre to assess its readiness ahead of the forthcoming civil service recruitment exercise.
Governor Eno commended the project team for their professionalism and directed that similar technology-driven facilities be established across the state, particularly in youth-focused development hubs. He emphasized that merit-based recruitment is crucial to building an efficient and dedicated workforce, describing the civil service as the “engine room of governance.”
“The quality of our civil service determines the quality of our governance,” he said. “We must recruit people who understand basic technology and can adapt to the demands of modern administration. This Computer Based Test process will ensure fairness, transparency, and eliminate the influence of favoritism.”
The governor noted that the introduction of the CBT system aligns with global best practices, promoting accountability and competence in recruitment. He added that this approach will encourage applicants to prepare diligently, knowing that selection will be based purely on merit and performance.
Commissioner Ekpenyong praised Governor Eno’s foresight and leadership, explaining that the centre can accommodate about four hundred candidates per session and two thousand daily when run in batches. He highlighted that the facility provides high-speed internet, modern digital tools, and a conducive environment for testing.
Head of Service Elder Essien also expressed appreciation to the governor for driving innovation in the state’s civil service, revealing that the recruitment exercise will commence within ten days. He urged applicants to prepare well, assuring them that the system is simple and fully designed to test their basic computer knowledge and competence.
