ASCON begins Nationwide 2026 Public Service Examination for MDAs

The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria has commenced the 2026 Public Service Examination (PSE) across the country, as part of efforts to strengthen professionalism, merit and institutional integrity in the Nigerian Public Service.

The nationwide exercise, which runs from Thursday, 29 January to Friday, 30 January 2026, is being conducted in line with ASCON’s statutory mandate to support quality recruitment, career progression and human capacity development within public institutions.

Speaking on the examination, the Director-General of ASCON, Funke Adepoju, described the Public Service Examination as a critical gateway for ensuring high standards in public service entry and advancement.

She explained that the examination covers candidates drawn from Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including State Civil Service Commissions, Local Government Service Commissions, parastatals and other public institutions nationwide.

According to Adepoju, a total of 2,103 candidates have been registered for the 2026 exercise, representing 20 client organisations across the Federation. Participating bodies include the Oyo, Ondo, Enugu, Ekiti, Delta and Anambra State Civil Service Commissions, among others.

The Director-General noted that the PSE is designed to assess the suitability of fresh graduates seeking entry into the Administrative and Specialised Departmental Cadres of the Public Service.

She added that it also provides a transparent and credible platform for serving officers seeking conversion from the Executive Cadre to the Officer Cadre after acquiring relevant degree qualifications.

Adepoju further said the examination supports broader manpower planning and human capacity development objectives of participating organisations.

She disclosed that registration for the 2026 Public Service Examination remains open, reaffirming ASCON’s commitment to inclusivity and access.

The Director-General emphasised that ASCON remains resolute in upholding professionalism, transparency and merit in the recruitment and development of personnel for the Nigerian Public Service.

The statement was signed by the management of ASCON and dated 28 January 2026.