By Uthman Salaudeen
Public affairs analysts, Comrade Tajudeen Habeeb and Barrister Abdulhameed Hayatullah Oniwiridi, have commended the Kwara State Government over its adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for civil servants’ promotion examinations, describing it as a step that will address computer illiteracy and improve efficiency in the civil service.
The analysts made this known today during SBS FM Newspaper review, monitored by reporter Uthman Salaudeen.
They noted that the initiative aligns with global best practices, adding that despite possible challenges, it remains preferable to the traditional paper-based system.
Comrade Habeeb urged stakeholders behind the policy to anticipate and address potential implementation challenges, stressing that proper planning would enhance productivity and effectiveness in the civil service.
Similarly, Barrister Oniwiridi called for partnership with accredited CBT centres across local government areas to ensure accessibility for all candidates.
He described the development as a positive reform that promotes transparency, objectivity, and a malpractice-free examination process, expressing confidence in the government’s capacity to sustain it.
“This development is a way to go because it ensures transparency and fairness. I believe the government has the capacity to sustain it,” he said.
In a separate development, the analysts criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the power sector, accusing it of politicising critical reforms and urging the appointment of more experienced professionals to manage the sector.
They argued that despite heavy investment, the power sector continues to struggle with debt, inefficiency, and poor supply.
Comrade Habeeb described recent appointments in the sector as “placing the right person at the wrong time”, insisting that reforms should have been implemented earlier and led by technically competent experts.
Barrister Oniwiridi, on his part, said Nigeria’s challenge is not lack of resources but poor investment decisions, calling for the decentralisation of the national grid and expansion of distribution networks.
He added that weak infrastructure within distribution companies continues to worsen electricity supply challenges nationwide.
On politics, the analysts also faulted what they described as the absence of political ideology among Nigerian politicians, warning that it contributes to excessive party switching and weak democratic culture.
Comrade Habeeb described frequent defections as a “setback to democratic development”, urging legal reforms to regulate political cross-carpeting and strengthen party ideology.
