Over 200,000 candidates have failed the online Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted for the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services recruitment. The exam, held between November 12 and 19, forms the third phase of the nationwide recruitment exercise overseen by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
Data shared by the CDCFIB on Tuesday via its X handle revealed that 650,395 candidates scored between 41 and 100 out of the 872,391 who sat for the test. Only 142,697 candidates, or 25.4%, achieved a score above 80.
Participation and Score Analysis
The board reported that:
- 77.9% of shortlisted candidates completed the exam
- 16.8% were disqualified for various infractions
- 5.4% failed to take the test
Score Breakdown:
- 0–40: 221,996
- 41–60: 229,155
- 61–80: 278,543
- 81–100: 142,697
This CBT stage followed the initial application and shortlisting phases of the recruitment exercise.
States With the Highest Number of Applicants
Kogi State topped the list with 72,497 applicants, followed by:
- Benue: 66,496
- Kaduna: 64,730
- Kano: 50,678
- Niger: 49,514
Application Breakdown by Agency
The initial recruitment stage attracted more than 1.9 million applications, distributed as follows:
- Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS): 703,499
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC): 482,198
- Federal Fire Service (FFS): 406,491
- Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS): 165,212
Out of the applicants, 1,120,491 completed the application process and were shortlisted for the online exam, while:
- 432,935 applications remained incomplete
- 360,923 candidates were disqualified
Technical Issues and Widespread Complaints
The online CBT generated significant backlash due to multiple technical disruptions. Although a physical CBT was initially planned, the board later replaced it with an online version.
Candidates reported numerous issues, including:
- Missing or half-loaded questions
- Login failures
- Sudden disqualification
- Automatic submission without answering
Some candidates stated that their exams ended before they could attempt any questions.
In response, the CDCFIB blamed these challenges on candidates’ failure to follow key instructions such as using devices with accurate date and time settings and avoiding external interference or device tampering.
Next Phase: Physical Screening and Documentation Review
The recruitment process has now advanced to Stage Four, which involves physical screening and document verification.
Successful candidates from the CBT round are expected to receive call-up notifications for the next stage.
