CBT Results Overview
In the ongoing nationwide paramilitary recruitment exercise for the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services, over 200,000 applicants did not pass the online Computer-Based Test (CBT). The test, which was conducted from November 12th to 19th, is a crucial part of the recruitment process.
Statistical data released by the CDCFIB via its X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday revealed that out of 872,391 applicants who participated in the online exam, 650,395 achieved a passing score, ranging from 41 to 100. A smaller group, totaling 142,697 applicants, scored above 80, representing 25.4% of those who took the exam.
Further analysis of the applicant participation shows that 77.9% of the total candidates took the online examination. Among those who did not complete the test, 16.8% were disqualified due to various violations, while 5.4% were marked as absent.
The state with the highest number of applicants for the CBT was Kogi State, with 72,497 applications. Benue State followed closely with 66,496 applications. The top five states with the most applicants also included Kaduna State (64,730), Kano (50,678), and Niger (49,514).
Detailed Breakdown of CBT Scores:
- •0-40: 221,996 applicants (25.4% of total)
- •41 – 60: 229,155 applicants
- •61-80: 278,543 applicants
- •81-100: 142,697 applicants
Recruitment Stages and Application Numbers
This examination represented the third stage of the recruitment exercise. The initial application phase saw an overwhelming response, with over 1.9 million applicants, significantly exceeding the 573,000 applications received for the Nigerian Customs recruitment earlier in the year.
When examining the parastatals involved, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recorded the highest number of applicants with 703,499. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) followed with 482,198 applicants. The Federal Fire Service (FFS) received 406,491 applications, and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) had 165,212 applications.
For the second stage, which involved shortlisting applicants for the online examinations, 1,120,491 individuals completed the application process and were considered. Incomplete applications numbered 432,935, while 360,923 applicants were disqualified at this stage.
The application process itself was subject to numerous complaints, which were attributed by the CDCFIB to technical glitches and slow response times on the recruitment portal during the initial stages of the process.
Challenges and Issues with the CBT Exercise
The online paramilitary recruitment examination, conducted between November 12th and 19th, was notably affected by technical errors and a variety of complaints from applicants.
Initially, the CDCFIB had planned for a physical CBT exam to be administered at various centers nationwide. However, this plan was revised, and the board subsequently replaced the physical CBT with an online examination. Applicants were instructed to log into the recruitment portal within their designated exam window, as selected during registration.
Despite these instructions, numerous applicants encountered technical difficulties. These issues included the abrupt disappearance of questions, incomplete question displays, an inability to log in to the examination platform, and sudden disqualifications. Some applicants reported that their exams were submitted without them having attempted any questions.
In response to these widespread issues, the board stated that applicants who experienced problems had failed to adhere to the guiding instructions for the process. These instructions reportedly included maintaining accurate device date and time settings, and refraining from third-party interference or device manipulation.
The recruitment exercise has now progressed to its fourth stage, which involves physical screening and document verification. Applicants who successfully passed the CBT exercise are expected to receive a call-up notice for this next phase.