Fintiri Reaffirms Merit-Based Appointment Of Permanent Secretaries

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit, transparency and professionalism in the state civil service, declaring that appointments to the office of Permanent Secretary will continue to be based strictly on competitive qualifying examinations.

The governor made the declaration on Wednesday at the Government House, Yola, while announcing the results of the 2026 Permanent Secretaries’ Qualifying Examination, insisting that his administration would not compromise the principles of fairness, competence and equal opportunity in the appointment of the state’s highest-ranking career officers.

Governor Fintiri said the merit-based examination was introduced at the inception of his administration to eliminate favouritism, nepotism and undue political influence in the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, noting that the policy has consistently produced competent, experienced and highly professional administrators for the Adamawa State Civil Service.

According to him, the transparent selection process has strengthened the civil service by ensuring that only deserving officers with the requisite knowledge, experience and leadership capacity are appointed to one of the most strategic positions in government.

“The appointment of Permanent Secretaries is not based on personal relationships or political considerations. It is earned through a transparent and competitive process that guarantees fairness and gives every qualified officer an equal opportunity to excel,” the governor said.

Governor Fintiri explained that although many candidates performed creditably in the examination, only the highest-scoring candidate from each eligible local government area where vacancies existed could emerge successful, in line with the state’s established appointment guidelines.

He encouraged candidates who were unsuccessful not to be discouraged, assuring them that the examination was highly competitive and that they would have another opportunity to participate whenever vacancies arise in their respective local government areas.

The governor described the examination conducted by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) as credible, transparent and free from manipulation, explaining that candidates’ identities are concealed during the marking process to ensure objectivity and fairness.

According to him, the anonymous marking system guarantees equal opportunities for all candidates irrespective of background or personal affiliation, while reinforcing public confidence in the integrity of the state’s civil service recruitment and promotion process.

Governor Fintiri acknowledged that examination anxiety may have affected the performance of some candidates but maintained that the qualifying examination remains the most objective, transparent and reliable method of identifying competent officers for appointment as Permanent Secretaries.

He congratulated the successful candidates and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating integrity, diligence, accountability and an unwavering commitment to excellence in public service.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Pharm. Isa Shehu Ardo, disclosed that the qualifying examination was conducted on May 12 and 13, 2026, following vacancies that arose in seven local government areas of the state.

He said a total of 22 candidates participated in the examination organised by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), adding that no candidate qualified from Toungo Local Government Area.

According to the Head of Service, only the highest-scoring candidate from each eligible local government area was recommended to Governor Fintiri for appointment as Permanent Secretary in accordance with the state’s approved guidelines.

Pharm. Ardo commended Governor Fintiri for sustaining a transparent, credible and merit-driven appointment process, noting that the policy has restored confidence in the Adamawa State Civil Service and fostered healthy competition among senior civil servants.

He said the administration’s commitment to rewarding competence has strengthened institutional efficiency and motivated officers to pursue excellence in service delivery.

Observers say the continued implementation of the merit-based selection process reflects the Adamawa State Government’s determination to build a professional, efficient and accountable civil service capable of delivering quality public services and driving sustainable development across the state.