Observation

 

This question was not popular as most candidates avoided it. A greater percentage of candidates’ performance to this question was below average. Most candidates could not effectively define public service. The definitions they gave did not reflect that public service provides essential services for the welfare of citizens and that they consists of government employees in ministries, departments and parastatals. Expected points candidates should have highlighted are:

A. DEFINITION OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Public service is an organized body in which public servants serve to provide essential services for the welfare of citizens. It is usually non-profit making oriented agency and consists of government employees in ministries, departments and parastatals etc.

B. WAYS OF IMPROVING PUBLIC SERVICE IN NIGERIA

1. Exposure to in-service training.
2. Use of merit in appointment and promotion.
3. Improvement of workers’ condition of service.
4. Stoppage of political interference in public service.
5. Use of code of conduct bureau and other related agencies such as economic and financial crimes commission (efcc), independent corrupt practices and other related offences commission (icpc)
6. Professionalization of public service.
7. Establishment of public complaint commission (ombudsman)
8. Strengthening of the public service commission in the performance of its functions and roles.
9. Enhancement of productivity through improved reward system in public service.
10. Ensuring job security and tenure of public servants.
11. Demand for accountability to the public.
12. Control of undue red-tapism/bureaucracy/bottlenecks.