Imo revamps civil service, begins e-recruitment drive

The Imo State Government has initiated a major recruitment drive to address longstanding employment deficits in the state’s civil service.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Eze Ugochukwu, announced that Governor Hope Uzodimma had approved what he described as a “transformative recruitment drive” aimed at injecting fresh talent into various government departments.

“The Imo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has launched a transformative recruitment drive aimed at revitalizing the state’s civil service and addressing unemployment. This initiative, which invited qualified candidates to apply for various positions, marks a significant step in the administration’s broader agenda to strengthen governance,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the recruitment process will include a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government. It emphasized that the government’s adoption of digital tools would ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the hiring process.

“By leveraging digital tools, the government is not only streamlining the recruitment process but also setting a precedent for efficiency and accountability in governance,” the statement added.

The statement also highlighted key positions targeted in the recruitment, including Procurement Officer II (Grade Level 08), reflecting the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and reducing inefficiencies in public procurement.

“The inclusion of such roles highlights the government’s intent to enhance service delivery and curb inefficiencies in public procurement—a critical area for reducing corruption and improving resource management,” it stated. With the CBT scheduled for March 25, 2025, the government sees the initiative as a proactive step toward tackling unemployment and building a more competent workforce.

“The timing of this recruitment drive is particularly significant. By creating job opportunities within the civil service, the administration is not only providing livelihoods for its citizens but also building a more competent and motivated workforce capable of driving development projects,” the statement noted.

The government further emphasized the role of technology in ensuring a fair and merit-based selection process, stating that the approach aligns with global best practices and positions Imo State as a forward-thinking state in Nigeria.

“The use of CBTs ensures a fair and merit-based selection process, reducing the likelihood of favoritism or malpractice,” the statement added.

The initiative is expected to enhance government policy implementation, improve public service delivery, and contribute to economic stability.

“The potential impact of this policy is far-reaching. A strengthened civil service will enhance the implementation of government policies, improve public service delivery, and foster economic stability. Additionally, the influx of skilled professionals into the workforce is likely to spur innovation and efficiency across various sectors, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and agriculture,” the statement concluded.