- Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, introduces changes in promotion criteria for Nigerian paramilitary services, focusing on knowledge and practical excellence
- Promotions will now consider factors beyond written exams, including experience, theoretical understanding, and the ability to provide solutions to contemporary security challenges
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced significant changes in the promotion criteria for personnel within paramilitary services under the Ministry of Interior. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) will no longer rely solely on passing promotion exams for career advancement.
Minister Tunji-Ojo announced this during a book presentation event at the NSCDC Corps headquarters in Abuja. He applauded the academic excellence of the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi and Prof. Tyoor Terhemba.
Tunji-Ojo underscored the importance of enhancing the knowledge base of personnel within these paramilitary services. He stated, “The best personnel in agencies like the FBI, MI6, and CIA are often alumni of some of the world’s finest educational institutions. Knowledge is directly linked to performance. You can’t provide what you don’t possess. Today’s challenges are more ideological than physical, and countering such ideologies requires possessing superior knowledge.”
The Minister further explained that the era of promotions solely based on written exams will soon end. Instead, promotions will be determined through evaluation criteria, such as experience, practical excellence, theoretical understanding, and the ability to provide solutions. For example, individuals aspiring to become Deputy Commandant Generals (DCGs) must demonstrate their grasp of current challenges and ability to forecast future issues while offering innovative solutions.
Tunji-Ojo elaborated, “The ability to predict potential incidents will be crucial in determining the level of security. Security operates on the principles of science, involving the analysis of trends and occurrences. The capability to anticipate future occurrences will shape our nation’s security landscape.”
Establishment of the Paramilitary Brain Trust (PBT)
As a proactive measure, Minister Tunji-Ojo announced the formation of a team known as the “Paramilitary Brain Trust” (PBT). This team will comprise public officers and professionals tasked with providing technical advice to the government through research and academic endeavours.
In commending the achievements of CG Dr. Ahmed Audi and acknowledging his accomplishments in leading the NSCDC to confront criminal elements in the country, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a well-educated and informed paramilitary workforce.
CG Dr. Ahmed Audi discussed his writing accomplishments, mentioning that he solely authored five books, while the other seven were co-authored with associates. These books delve into various security aspects, including discussions on insecurity in Nigeria, terrorism, peace, and conflict resolution.
Minister Tunji-Ojo’s announcement reflects a significant shift in the promotion criteria for paramilitary personnel, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, education, and innovative thinking. These changes aim to ensure a well-prepared and capable paramilitary workforce equipped to tackle contemporary security challenges.