The Effect Of Federal Character Principle On The Sustenance Of Civil Service Ethos In Nigeria
The Effect Of Federal Character Principle On The Sustenance Of Civil Service Ethos In Nigeria
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of federal character principle on the sustenance of civil service ethos in Nigeria with a special reference to the Federal Ministry of Environment (Kwanashie, 2002; 6774). A total of 134 respondents were selected from the population figure out of which the sample size was determined. The primary source of data collected was mainly the use of a structured questionnaire which was designed to elicit information on the impact of Federal Character Principle on the Sustenance of Civil Service Ethos in Nigeria. The data collected will be analyzed using frequency table, percentage and mean score analysis while the nonparametric statistical test (Chi-square) was used to test the formulated hypothesis using SPSS (statistical package for social sciences). The paper recommends the following for the successful application of the Federal character principle: (i) the Federal Civil Service in Nigeria should not be able to address the obvious imbalances in the various segments of the country owing to its method of application.
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study:
Pluralistic and sharply divided societies all over the world attempt to manage their diversities, divisive and different tendencies through one or combination of policy alternatives in the organization and management of their public services for performance; and Nigeria is not an exception (Owoyemi and Sheehan, 2011). Often times, these policy alternatives turn out to be delicate arrangements; but when carefully conceived, crafted and practiced, it provides opportunity for centre-seeking and centre-fleeing forces to interact peacefully and co-habit on agreed terms. One of such policy alternatives adopted for the management of the public service in Nigeria for even representation is the Federal Character Principle, which “was borne out of the need to ensure even spread of government appointments in all the regions, states and local government councils in the country” (Nzeshi, 2012).
Nigeria is a federal state comprising 36 states structure with a population of more than 170 million people, there are more than 250 ethnic groups, which necessitated an arrangement that could accommodate people from the different segments of the country in the public bureaucracy (Gberevbie, 2012). The notion of federal character presupposes the existence of a federal society. However, as a federal state, Nigeria was confronted with the challenges of how to imbibe the principle of federalism in practice. Moreover, the quota system was introduced into the Nigerian public service in 1958 by which the government “to ensure equitable representation of the various groups in the country” (Tonwe and Oghator, 2009). To further consolidate on the gains of the quota system, the Federal Military Government of Generals Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo in the drafting and approval of the 1979 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the transition to civilian rule (1976-79) introduced into the Nigerian political and administrative landscape the principle of federal character (Ugoh and Ukpere, 2012).
Federal character principle sought to give opportunities in education and employment, usually at the point of entry, to disadvantaged groups and areas to enable them compete and catch up with more advanced areas and sectors of the nation (Fajana, Owoyemi, Elegbede and Gbajumo- Sheriff, 2011). Hence, this study will investigate the effect of Federal Character Principle and The Sustenance of Civil Service Ethos in Nigeria with a special reference to the Federal Ministry of Environment.
1.2 Statement of the Problem:
The civil service is expected to be productive, progressive and enterprising; hence the need to employ well educated, skilled and experienced people. However, political factors in the Federal Civil Service in Nigeria with the administrative ethos of merit and political doctrine of federal character as a recruitment policy that is not necessarily directed towards better service delivery of the civil service, has negatively affected the employee performance in the civil service.
Moreso, it is instructive to note that ethnic, regional, and religious cleavages in Nigerian society are made more problematic by systematic and overlapping patterns of inequalities that correspond to the cleavages. These inequalities are caused by a complex range of factors, including history, geography, cultural orientation, religious affiliation, natural resource endowments, current government policies, and past colonial policies (Okolo, 2014).
By this economic inequalities are another feature of Nigerian national life. Starting from the colonial period, there has been a structurally embedded pattern of educational inequalities which persist to this day (Fajana and et al., 2011).
Kwanashie (2002) put that Fear has been constant in every tension and confrontation in political Nigeria. Not the physical fear of violence, not the spiritual fear of retribution, but the psychological fear of discrimination, of domination. He further submit that it is the fear of not getting one’s fair share, one’s dessert. In light of all these, section 14, Sub-section 3, of the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria stated that, ‘the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies’. It is against this backdrop that this research seeks to investigate the nexus between Federal Character Principle and the Sustenance of Civil Service Ethos in Nigeria with a reference to the Federal Ministry of Environment (Kwanashie, 2002; 6774).
1.3 Objectives of the Study:
The major objective of this study is to examine the effect of Federal Character on the Sustenance of Civil Service Ethos in Nigeria.
While other specific objectives are:
- To examine the effects of federal character on sustenance of civil service ethos in Nigeria.
- To determine the influence of federal character principle on service delivery of the civil service.
- To assess the roles of federal character principle on national integration.
- To identify the challenges confronting the implementation of federal character principle in the country.
1.4 Research Questions:
This research work shall be guided by the following research questions:
- Is there any significant relationship between the federal character principle and sustenance of civil service ethos in Nigeria?
- What are the impacts of federal character principle on service delivery of the civil service?
- What are the roles of federal character principle in ensuring national integration?
- How can the current problems and challenges confronting the implementation of federal character principle in the country be identified?
1.5 Research Hypotheses:
The under mentioned hypotheses will be tested in the course of the research study;
- There is no significant relationship between federal character principle and sustenance of civil service ethos in Nigeria.
- There is no significant relationship between federal character principle and service delivery of the civil service.
- Recruitment in the Nigerian Federal Environment Ministry is not based on the federal character principle.
- Federal character principle does not promote national unity in the country.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This research focuses on examining the impact of the Federal Character Principle on the sustenance of civil service ethos in Nigeria, specifically exploring its effects on professionalism, meritocracy, and administrative efficiency within the civil service.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.
- Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.9 Definition Of Terms
Federal Character Principle:
The constitutional provision in Nigeria that promotes the equitable representation of various ethnic, regional, and religious groups in the civil service, ensuring fairness, balance, and inclusivity in appointments, promotions, and recruitment processes.
Civil Service Ethos:
The set of values, principles, and ethical standards that guide the behavior, professionalism, and service delivery of civil servants. It encompasses integrity, impartiality, accountability, transparency, meritocracy, and the commitment to serving the public interest.
Professionalism:
The adherence to high standards of competence, expertise, ethics, and conduct in carrying out professional duties within the civil service. It involves the application of specialized knowledge, skills, and best practices to achieve efficient and effective service delivery.
Meritocracy:
The principle of appointing, promoting, and rewarding individuals based on their qualifications, skills, abilities, and performance, rather than on factors such as personal connections, ethnicity, or regional affiliation. Meritocracy emphasizes fair competition and the recognition of individual merit within the civil service.
Administrative Efficiency:
The ability of the civil service to effectively and efficiently carry out its functions and responsibilities. It involves optimizing resources, streamlining processes, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring timely and quality service delivery to meet the needs and expectations of the public.
Diversity:
The inclusion and representation of individuals from different ethnic, regional, and religious backgrounds within the civil service. Diversity recognizes the value of varied perspectives, experiences, and talents, contributing to a more inclusive and representative public administration.
Inclusivity:
The practice of ensuring the active participation and engagement of all individuals, regardless of their ethnic, regional, or religious backgrounds, in decision-making processes, policy formulation, and service provision within the civil service. Inclusivity aims to prevent marginalization and foster social cohesion.
Nepotism:
The favoritism shown to relatives or friends in the appointment, promotion, or allocation of resources within the civil service, disregarding merit or fair competition. Nepotism can undermine professionalism, fairness, and the integrity of the civil service.
Corruption:
The abuse of entrusted power within the civil service for personal gain or the violation of ethical standards. Corruption can manifest in various forms, such as bribery, embezzlement, favoritism, and misuse of public resources, and it erodes public trust and undermines effective governance.
Public Trust:
The confidence, faith, and belief of the public in the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the civil service. Public trust is crucial for maintaining legitimacy and support for the civil service, as well as for fostering cooperation and accountability between the government and the citizens.
Chapter Five
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Summary
We, therefore, conclude that it is a known fact that the principle has gone a long way to reducing various factors of mutual mistrust (suspicion) and rivalries among the Federal civil servants that make up the geographical entity called Nigeria. In reality, the challenge of unintegration brought about by the application of this principle needs to be effectively curbed if the benefits of this principle are to be realized. This would be achieved by the reformation of the principle from its present status quo so as to give succor to the weak and marginalized and also limit the power of the strong. Proper application of the Federal Character principle is pivotal and absolutely necessary for improved integration of the country. Everyone in the country should be consulted about this policy and be a part of making it happen.
5.2 Conclusion
This study explored the federal character principle, its applicability and challenges in Nigeria. From the available data and cases reviewed in this work, we discovered that the federal character principle has not being able to address the obvious imbalances in the various segments of the country owing to its method of application. Also, it was discovered that the preference given to the Northern regions in admission processes in federal schools has not improved the educational status of the Northern region, the reason is because the Northern elites probably have not put in their best to change the attitudinal disposition of their youths towards Western education. The principle on its part is not a total failure, but there is need for urgent adjustment in the application of the principle in such a way that it will not be targeted in favoring a particular sect of the country at the expense of other sections.
5.3 Recommendations
The paper recommends the following for the successful application of the federal character principle:
- The principle should not be applied only when it is in the interest of a particular section of the country. Rather it should be applied in such a way that every section of the country will be carried along.
- The paper recommends that the federal character principle should not be applied in admission processes into unity schools and federal higher institutions. Everything regarding academics should be on merit and not sentiment. The sanctity of the educational system should not be sacrificed on the altar of ethnic representation.
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