Fintiri Releases Permanent Secretary Exam Results, Reaffirms Merit Based Appointments.

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has reaffirmed that appointments into the office of Permanent Secretary will continue to be based on merit, transparency and competitive examinations.

Governor Fintiri made this known at the Government House in Yola while announcing the results of the 2026 Permanent Secretaries’ Qualifying Examination, stressing that his administration would continue to uphold fairness, competence and equal opportunity in the state civil service.

He said the examination system was introduced at the beginning of his administration to eliminate favouritism, nepotism and political interference in the appointment of Permanent Secretaries and ensure that only qualified officers emerge through a transparent process.

The governor explained that although several candidates performed well, only the best performing candidate from each local government area with an existing vacancy would be recommended for appointment in line with approved guidelines.

Fintiri described the examination conducted by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, as credible and free from manipulation. He said candidates’ identities were concealed during the marking process to ensure objectivity and prevent bias.

He congratulated successful candidates and urged them to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, accountability and commitment to public service. He also encouraged unsuccessful candidates not to lose hope, assuring them of opportunities to participate in future exercises when vacancies arise.

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

Ardo said 22 candidates participated in the examination, but no candidate from Toungo Local Government Area qualified for recommendation. He added that the highest scoring candidate from each eligible local government area would be forwarded to the governor for appointment.

The Head of Service commended Governor Fintiri for sustaining the merit based system, saying it has encouraged healthy competition and strengthened confidence in the professionalism of the Adamawa State Civil Service.