On October 31st, 2024, the Republic of Liberia through the Civil Service Agency, took a significant step forward with the official opening of the National Civil Service Testing Center. The initiative is meant to enhance the Liberian Government’s civil service.
The Country’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung led an array of government officials at the ceremony, underscoring the importance of this modern, computer-based facility in the recruitment of qualified public servants.
Vice President Koung emphasized the role of the civil service as the backbone of Liberia’s workforce. “It is necessary that we recruit our very best; a workforce of quality, competence, patriotism, and dedication.” He stated.
The Vice President’s remarks highlighted a steadfast commitment to elevating the standards and integrity of public service in Liberia.
The National Civil Service Testing Center marks a significant advancement from the previous paper-based testing system. Koung further pointed out that the old method often allowed individuals without the requisite skills to enter the civil service. “Today, we unveil a system that reflects our Nation’s values of integrity and efficiency,” he declared, stressing that the new facility would ensure that recruitment is based solely on merit and competence.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and specialized assessment tools, the Testing Center promises a more streamlined and secured evaluation process for prospective civil servants. “This means a faster, more efficient hiring process, which ultimately strengthens our civil service and improves service delivery for all Liberians,” Vice President Koung elaborated.
The National Civil Service Testing Center is equipped with advanced computers and specialized tools that streamline the testing process, enabling faster, more accurate assessments of prospective civil servants. The facility houses three testing rooms with a total of 27 cubicles, each providing candidates with ample space to ensure a comfortable testing experience. Each cubicle is outfitted with a bell notifier, wireless mouse, and pad to facilitate smooth interaction between candidates and the testing administrators.
The Liberian Vice President then called for a united effort in leveraging the new facility’s capabilities. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fairness, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in public service.
He stressed, “Together, we are advancing toward a stronger, more effective, and more accountable government dedicated to serving Liberia.”
In his closing statement, Vice President Koung officially announced the National Civil Service Testing Center open, encouraging full utilization of the new facilities. This innovative step is expected to resonate throughout Liberia, fostering a more competent civil service that will contribute to the nation’s progress and development.
As Liberia embarks on this new chapter in civil service recruitment, the imminent changes are anticipated to create a wave of optimism towards governmental accountability and service excellence, promising a brighter future for all Liberians.
The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives of the Liberian Civil Servants Association, Public Corporation & Autonomous Agencies, the Diplomatic Community and International Partners.
In his overview of the undertaking, the Director-General Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. described the unveiling of the National Civil Service Testing Center signifies as a historic milestone in Liberia’s civil service recruitment, ushering in a new era of merit-based, transparent, and efficient recruitment practices.
“This state-of-the-art, computer-based testing system replaces the outdated paper-based approach, addressing past concerns regarding fairness, integrity, and procedural inefficiencies. The establishment of this center highlights the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a civil service grounded in excellence, accountability, and responsiveness.” Mr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr pointed out.
Mwetana, a name originating from the Vai tribe, meaning “We are going forward”, is a Liberian Information Technology Company that developed the system and integrity consultants created the bank of wide-ranging questions covering the 85 testable positions.
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