FCTA STAFF COMMENCE SECOND PHASE OF FREE CBT TRAINING

…Over 480 staff to benefit from the second phase
By: Prudence Okonna
The second phase of the free Computer-Based Test (CBT) hands-on training for staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced in Abuja.
Speaking during the commencement of the second phase of the training on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, the Coordinator, a Chief Education Officer, Jacinta Ewuzie, said the training is aimed at equipping FCTA staff in preparing for the forthcoming November 2025 promotion examination with digital skills and examination techniques.
Speaking during the opening session, Ewuzie explained that the initiative was borne out of a desire to help FCTA staff overcome the challenges of computer-based promotion assessments.
The Head of Languages Department, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, noted that the programme, now in its second phase, has already yielded impressive results.
“We had the first phase in July 2025, where we trained close to 500 staff, mostly Deputy Directors, who went for the promotion exam in August. Out of the 49 directors that emerged from that exam, 42 were products of this training,” she revealed.
“That gave us so much encouragement and motivation to continue what we are doing, even though we do not have any other support apart from the ICT Department, which graciously gave us this venue. This is a free-will and selfless service,” she added.
According to her, the ongoing second phase will run in four batches, targeting a total of 480 staff before completion. The first batch has 120 participants currently undergoing intensive, practical sessions.
Ewuzie also disclosed that two directors who benefited from the first training and were recently promoted have joined this phase to share their experiences and inspire participants.
“We are grateful that some of our newly promoted directors are here to speak to participants about their experiences at the National Open University, where the exams took place. Their testimonies show that it is possible to excel,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries of the first phase, Dr. Atanzi Sani from the Secondary Education Board, also shared his experience, describing the training as impactful and crucial to his success in the previous promotion exercise.
“The training was simple, exciting, and well-organised. It helped many of us understand how to navigate the CBT system confidently,” Dr. San recounted.
“During the exam, we had 70 questions to answer in 45 minutes, so time management was key. The CBT format was transparent; once you press finish, you see your score immediately. It also eliminates malpractice because you are racing against time,” he noted.
Dr Sani advised staff preparing for the forthcoming exams to take the training seriously and adopt a focused mindset.
“People must go with the mindset that the exam is for them. Don’t be distracted by the crowd. Prepare well and take advantage of the training,” he said.
He commended the organisers for their dedication and vision, urging them to sustain the initiative for the benefit of more FCTA staff.
Recall that Abuja Digest reported the commencement of the first phase of the training in July 2025.
With growing interest and participation from across the Administration, the free CBT training is fast becoming a model for capacity building, empowering FCTA workers with the digital competence and confidence required to excel in computer-based assessments.