DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

This study focuses on the correlate of women empowerment and economic growth in Egor Local Government Area in Edo State, and five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive research design. The sample size for the study comprised of two hundred respondents. Random sampling techniques was used in the selection of respondents, The findings show that On one hand, there is a strong and recognized trend of women's involvement in entrepreneurship and small businesses (85% affirmation). On the other hand, this engagement occurs in an environment of significant constraint. Key deficits were identified in. It was observed that women do not have access to necessary financial resources like loans and grants. The study conclude that The current model of limited engagement and ineffective policy support is yielding sub-optimal results for both women and the local economy. Unlocking women's full economic potential requires a concerted and sincere effort to dismantle the identified barriers and create a truly enabling environment. This work thus recommended that The Egor LGA council should establish a "Gender Desk" responsible for disseminating information about government programs in local languages through town hall meetings, radio jingles, and collaboration with women's associations.

This study investigates the merit-based recruitment process and its effect on job performance in the Edo State Civil Service Commission (ESCSC). The problem stems from political interference, favoritism, and poor recruitment practices that hinder efficiency and fairness. The study aims to assess the level of merit-based recruitment, identify challenges, and suggest improvement strategies. Anchored on the Attraction- Selection-Attrition (ASA) theory, a survey design was adopted. Data were collected from fifty-six (56) staff using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Findings revealed that merit-based recruitment is practiced and positively influences employee performance, though hindered by nepotism, political influence, inadequate ICT tools, and funding. The study concludes that strengthening meritocracy improves efficiency and transparency. It recommends enforcing anti-nepotism policies, training recruitment officers, adopting ICT tools, establishing independent oversight committees, and increasing budgetary support to enhance job performance in the Edo State Civil Service.