The House of Representatives on Wednesday directed the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Immigration to suspend or cancel the Computer Base Test (CBT) used in the ongoing recruitment.
The House directed the two security outfits to conduct another test using the manual process.
The resolution was a sequel to a motion moved by a member, Hafiz Kawu.
Kawu argued in his motion that most Nigerians are not computer literate, therefore, the test was discriminatory against some people.
He said that the agencies should instead use the normal handwritten test, instead of the ongoing collaboration with Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Kawu explained that “95 percent of Nigerians are not computer literate. JAMB did not consider those who are not computer literate. They did not provide an alternative for those who are not computer literate, therefore, not providing a level playing field for all.”
Speaking against the motion, Ibrahim Olanrewaju said that anyone with a Secondary School Certificate which is the minimum qualification should be able to pass the CBT test.
“If the requirement is SSCE, one would expect such a candidate to be able to participate. We should not be looking back. We should be encouraging even mechanics to have basic knowledge of computers.”
Speaking in support of the motion, Abdulrasak Namdas said he has been getting complaints from his constituents on the CBT exams. He added that for the paramilitary, “the emphasis is on physical fitness, not test.”
DEBATE:
Rep. Kawu moved the motion calling for intervention in the on-going recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulsalam Umara.
Rep. Kawu stated that the motion seeks to cover those who will be recruited as drivers, cleaners, security guards etc. who do not have the computer literacy being demanded. He pleaded with members for the motion to be adopted.
Rep. Ibrahim Olanrewaju in speaking against the motion stated that the minimum requirement for the lowest cadre will be at least S.S.C.E and everyone at that level ought to be computer literate. He stated that adopting the motion as it is would be tantamount to taking the country backwards.
Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas spoke in support of the motion that the exercise for military firms deals more with physical fitness than intellectual and computer literacy and no one should be left out.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila clarified that having read the debate, the motion is not trying to lower the threshold, but it seeks to accommodate those in the rural areas without Internet access.
Rep. Oghene Egoh reminded members that all the exams whose certificates form the basic requirements are all computer-based and the motion’s prayer is misleading as even those in the rural areas partake in JAMB and SSCE which both apply computer-based examinations.
Rep. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha called on members to let the standing committee of the House to handle the issue and leave out setting up an Ad-Hoc committee.
The House Committees Interior and Federal Character were mandated to monitor the recruitment and report to the House in 6 weeks.