The Akwa Ibom State Government has explained why candidates who score 100 per cent in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for civil service recruitment should not expect automatic employment. Governor Umo Eno maintains that applicants must also meet other requirements, including performance at the oral interview.
The clarification follows public discussions about the ongoing recruitment exercise, with some people questioning how candidates are assessed and selected.
Michael Effiong James, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Eno on Lagos Liaison, has defended the process, saying it was designed to give qualified applicants a fair opportunity regardless of their connections.
How Akwa Ibom Introduced Merit-Based Recruitment
According to James, Governor Eno promised during his election campaign to make employment and empowerment opportunities accessible to everyone without requiring political connections.
The administration subsequently introduced the ARISE Youth Employment Portal on October 21, 2024. The platform allows job seekers to access employment opportunities and provides a channel for applications and computer-based aptitude tests.
At the launch, Eno urged public and private employers in the state to use the portal when recruiting workers. The initiative was intended to improve access to opportunities and make the recruitment process more transparent.
The government also upgraded the Directorate of ICT and Digital Services to the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy on February 23, 2025, as part of its digital governance agenda.
33,461 Applicants Took the CBT
James said the recruitment exercise attracted 33,461 applicants, each of whom received a N50,000 allowance for transportation and lunch following the CBT.
The payments amounted to approximately N1.67 billion, based on the stated number of applicants and allowance per person.
According to the account, 12,502 candidates who scored at least 50 per cent in the test qualified for the next stage of the process: an oral interview.
The administration’s position is that passing the CBT does not automatically secure a job. Candidates must also demonstrate their suitability during subsequent assessments.
James explained that interview panels may consider how applicants present themselves, their composure and their ability to defend their qualifications. Therefore, a high CBT score alone does not determine the final outcome.
Governor Eno Inspected the CBT Centre
The article also recalled Eno’s inspection of the CBT centre in October 2025. The facility reportedly has the capacity to accommodate 2,000 candidates daily and is equipped with computers and high-speed internet.
James said his visits to the centre showed an organised examination process, with candidates receiving assistance where necessary. He also noted that provisions were made for applicants with physical and visual disabilities.
According to him, candidates who missed their scheduled examinations for genuine reasons were given another opportunity to participate.
Eno had previously described the initiative as a way to strengthen merit-based recruitment and improve the quality of the state’s civil service.
Government Challenges Critics to Provide Evidence
In defending the process, James challenged critics to provide evidence of anyone who scored below the 50 per cent threshold, did not sit for the examination, and was nevertheless considered or employed through the exercise.
He argued that allegations of favouritism should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than speculation.
James also linked the recruitment initiative to the administration’s efforts to address irregularities in the civil service payroll. He recalled the government’s claim that more than 2,000 ghost workers had been uncovered, creating room for savings and improved workforce management.
However, the claims about the recruitment process and its fairness remain the position presented by the governor’s aide. Independent verification of the selection process would help establish how consistently the stated criteria were applied.
Newly Recruited Teacher Praises the Process
James cited comments by Daniel Ukpong, who spoke on behalf of newly recruited teachers during the World Teachers’ Day celebration at Uyo Township Stadium on October 5, 2026.
According to the account, Ukpong thanked the governor and said the newly recruited teachers had received their appointment letters and resumed work.
James presented the remarks as evidence that some successful applicants believe the process gave them an opportunity to secure employment on merit.
The government has repeatedly urged applicants to use the official employment portal rather than seek recommendations from influential individuals.
The central message from the administration is that a perfect CBT score does not automatically translate into employment. Instead, candidates must progress through the recruitment stages and satisfy the applicable requirements.
For Akwa Ibom job seekers, the key question is whether the stated criteria are applied consistently and transparently to all applicants.