The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Friday, September 19, 2025, continued its compulsory promotion examinations for senior police officers aspiring to move up to the next rank, stressing that the new system is designed to restore credibility and improve the image of the Force.
A total of 630 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) recommended for promotion to the rank of Superintendent of Police sat for the written examination, which took place at the Commission’s Parry Osayande Auditorium, Corporate Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.
Declaring the exams open, Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (Rtd.), Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission, said the PSC would continue to encourage officers to seek knowledge and sharpen their mental capacity for effective service delivery. He noted that, going forward, performance in promotion examinations would play a decisive role in officers’ career progression.
Also addressing the candidates, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd.) Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, said the introduction of promotion exams was both timely and necessary. He explained that the process would not only ensure merit-based advancement but also help repair the declining image of the Nigeria Police.
“There is a systemic rot in the Force, and that is why we are not much regarded any longer. The Police is the only security agency where there is no promotion examination. We have decided to do exams if you fail, you fail. We will continue to conduct these exams because they will help restore the integrity of the Police institution in the eyes of the public,” DIG Lakanu said.
He further warned candidates against bribery, cautioning them not to give money to any staff of the Commission. “Please don’t embarrass us. If you are caught bribing our staff, we will send you away. Our staff cannot help you,” he added.
The promotion examinations and interviews will continue next week with officers in the Commissioner’s cadre, while a plenary meeting of the Commission is expected to hold later this month.
The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd.) assured that the PSC would continue to ensure that promotions in the Nigeria Police remain timely, credible, transparent, and strictly merit-based. He stressed that every rank must be earned and justifiable, adding that the examination system would bring credibility and respect to officers who earn new badges.
“The Police of our dream is one that can function with minimal supervision and deliver on its mandate without undue influence,” DIG Argungu said.