The Abia State government has said that going forward, all administrative staff without professional certificates in the civil and public service will be dormant at level 13.
Mrs Ngozi Queen Obioma, the Abia State Head of Service, had made the declaration in Umuahia during a meeting with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and the Administrative Officers, and the Executive (General Duties), in the State Service.
According to her, the policy followed a Circular No. HCSF/SPSO/ODD/CND/100/S.I/195 from the Head of Service of the Federation dated March 21, 2024, which Abia State has now adopted.
Obioma further explained that administrative Officers and Executive (General Duties), on grade levels 10-13 going for promotions/conversions from the year 2025 without Professional Certificate, will no longer climb higher Level 13 in the Civil/Public Service.
Meanwhile, the State Head of Service, who was represented by the Director, Bureau of Administration and Career Management, Kingsley Ibelegbu had during the event, chided workers without the professional certificates to go get them to enhance their growth in the profession.
Egbuonu also commended the efforts of Governor Alex Otti to give Abia workers their pride of place.
Why It Matters
The new policy is a step int he right direction as Staff with certifications are likely to perform better, leading to improved service delivery and efficiency.
Additionally, it will help to promote fairness by ensuring that promotions are based on merit and qualifications rather than favoritism or nepotism.
