Open AccessCivil Service Recruitment: Problems Connected With Federal Character Policy in Nigeria
Author(s) -
Emmanuel Jude Abiodun Akinwale
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of public administration and governance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2161-7104
DOI - 10.5296/jpag.v4i2.5604
Subject(s) - character (mathematics) , bureaucracy , certification , service (business) , quality (philosophy) , corporate governance , state (computer science) , business , civil service , theme (computing) , public administration , public relations , marketing , political science , politics , law , finance , computer science , operating system , philosophy , public service , geometry , mathematics , epistemology , algorithm
The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent of relevance of the federal character as a national policy in recruitment into the Nigerian federal civil service and probe whether or not the level of application of merit supersedes the application of ecological considerations in recruitment into the service. It utilizes quantitative and qualitative data collection to espouse its theme. The paper finds that there are personnel problems connected with poor application of federal character policy in recruitment into the civil service and this affects the quality of entrants. It recommends strict application of merit standard to attract best workers while implementing federal character policy through proven certification of state of applicants. The paper notes that the Nigerian federal character policy is one that places premium on state representation in governance and bureaucracy and a strategy for national integration. However, there must be predominant application of merit in recruitment.