The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has revealed that more than 200,000 candidates did not pass the 2025 computer-based test recruitment examination.
The test was part of the final stages of a nationwide recruitment process for four paramilitary agencies, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The CDCFIB reported that out of over one million candidates who reached the CBT stage, 221,996 failed the exam.
The board stated that the application portal was open from July 14 to August 11, 2025, with more than 1.8 million applications submitted across the agencies.
Immigration service received the most applications with 703,499 applicants, followed by the NSCDC with 482,198.
The Nigerian Correctional Service had 406,491 applications, while the Federal Fire Service received 165,212.
Additionally, the CDCFIB Secretariat processed 116,122 applications.
After screening, the board categorized applicants into three groups. A total of 1,120,491 applications were fully completed and moved to the next stage, while 432,935 applications were incomplete, and 360,923 applicants were disqualified.
The computer-based test, conducted from November 12 to 19, 2025, was the third phase of the recruitment process.
Among the shortlisted candidates, 71.8 percent participated in the examination, while 18.5 percent were absent and 5.4 percent were flagged for violations during the test.
Read also:
- CDCFIB launches mid-level recruitment drive for Federal Fire Service, sets 1-week application window
- CDCFIB advises shortlisted candidates on login procedure for CBT exam
- Tambuwal orders immediate recruitment of 1000 graduates in Sokoto
The results indicate that most candidates scored between 61 and 80 points. The detailed score distribution is as follows: 0 to 40: 221,996 candidates, 41 to 60: 229,155 candidates, 61 to 80: 278,543 candidates, 81 to 100: 142,697 candidates.
The recruitment attracted strong participation from all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the highest number of applications coming from Kogi, Kaduna, Benue, Kano, and Niger States.
In contrast, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Lagos States had the fewest number of applicants.
The initiative aimed to recruit Nigerians aged 18 to 35 who meet height requirements, have clean records, are physically and mentally fit, and possess at least an SSCE with credit passes.
Higher qualifications in fields such as engineering, medicine, law, and technical trades were also encouraged.
