RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROBLEMS IN EDO STATE CIVIL SERVICE

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROBLEMS IN EDO STATE CIVIL  SERVICE 
Abstract

This study empirically examined problems of recruitment and extent of the utilization of job 

description and job specification in the recruitment process in Edo state civil service. To achieve 

he objectives of the study, questionnaires were administered to civil servants in five ministries in 

Edo state. Stratified random sampling method was used to draw a sample of 95 grouped into the 

four major categories of grade levels. Descriptive survey design was employed and descriptive 

statistics used for the analysis. The survey identified factors such increasing pressures for 

employment, utilization of informal sources of recruitment, long military era, federal character 

principle, lack of independence of the service commission and delegation of recruitment 

functions as the prevalent problems affecting recruitment in Edo State Civil Service. As a result 

of these problems, job description and standard personnel requirements were not adequately used 

in the recruitment process, especially at the lowest category of grade level. Based on the findings 

and conclusions, it was recommended that the federal government should promulgate laws that 

will protect employees in the private sector in order to reduce consistent pressures for 

employment in the public sector. Subjective and informal sources of recruitment should be de-

emphasized and instead sources from educational institutions and professional organizations 

should be encouraged. It was also recommended that the remuneration of the civil servants 

should be increased. Civil service should utilize job description when embarking on actual 

recruitment exercise and personnel requirements should be developed to match position 

classification in the service. The study finally, recommends the re-examination of the reliability 

and validity of employee selection instruments in the civil service.