DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The study examined the Impact of E-Governance on Public Service Delivery: A Study of Edo State Civil Service Commission. The study specifically aimed to examine the extent to which e-governance has enhanced efficiency and transparency in public service delivery in the Edo State Civil Service Commission, assess the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in improving administrative performance within the Edo State Civil Service Commission, determine the impact of e-payment systems and digital platforms on accountability and financial management in the Commission, identify the major challenges hindering the effective implementation of e-governance initiatives in the Edo State Civil Service Commission, recommend strategies for
strengthening e-governance to promote sustainable public service delivery and good governance in Edo State. A total of 400 respondents were selected from State Civil Service Commission using simple random sampling techniques. The research instrument used was a structured questionnaire designed in line with the research questions. (SPSS) was used as a method of data analysis. Base on the findings, the study concludes that e-governance has simplified administrative procedures and reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously hindered effective service delivery. It was also concluded that e-governance has significantly improved the accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of information within the Commission. The study concludes that capacity building for civil servants is essential for sustaining the gains of e-governance. Continuous ICT training and retraining programs will equip personnel with the necessary skills to effectively utilize digital platforms and improve service delivery outcomes. Based on the findings and conclusion, the following recommendations were made that there is need for the Edo State Government to
make substantial investments in modern ICT infrastructure to strengthen and sustain e-governance operations within the Civil Service Commission. This includes providing reliable power supply, functional servers, and stable internet connectivity to ensure smooth and uninterrupted digital service delivery. There is need for continuous capacity building of civil servants through regular ICT training and retraining programs. Such initiatives will improve digital literacy, enhance staff efficiency, and enable workers to effectively utilize electronic governance tools in their daily administrative duties.
There is need for collaboration between the government and private ICT experts to drive innovation and technical support in e-governance. Such partnerships will enhance knowledge transfer, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure the adoption of global best practices in public administration.

Corruption remains one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly within the public sector, where it undermines accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery. The Nigeria Police Force, as the primary institution responsible for maintaining law and order, has been significantly affected by corrupt practices such as bribery, nepotism, favoritism, and abuse of office. These practices have weakened public confidence, reduced operational efficiency, and hindered the police's ability to prevent and detect crime, protect lives and property, and enforce the law effectively. This study examines the impact of corruption on the performance of the Nigeria Police Force and its implications for public security and national development. It also highlights the challenges facing the police in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities and emphasizes the need for institutional reforms, improved accountability, ethical leadership, and stronger anti-corruption measures. The study concludes that reducing corruption within the police institution is essential for enhancing public trust, improving security, and promoting sustainable national development.

This study examines efficiency management and accountability within the Nigerian local government system, using Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. Local governments are strategically positioned to drive grassroots development; however, their operational efficiency and accountability mechanisms are frequently compromised by systemic challenges. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the extent to which financial accountability and administrative efficiency impact public service delivery in Akoko-Edo. Using a mixed-methods research design, data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to local government staff and residents, alongside semi-structured interviews with key council officials. Secondary data was sourced from local government financial reports, academic journals, and official publications. The theoretical framework for this study is anchored on the Principal-Agent Theory and Democratic Decentralization Theory. The findings reveal that while institutional frameworks for accountability exist, their efficacy is severely undermined by: Interference: Excessive political encroachment from the state government, particularly through the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA). Capacity Gaps: Inadequate training of administrative staff and weak internal audit mechanisms. Lack of Transparency: Poor public access to financial records, which stifles community engagement and oversight. Consequently, the study notes that inefficiency and a lack of robust accountability have resulted in dilapidated rural infrastructure, suboptimal healthcare services, and a general deficit in grassroots development. Based on these findings, the study recommends: Financial Autonomy: The full implementation of local government autonomy to eliminate restrictive state-level financial controls. Institutional Reforms: Strengthening internal and external audit processes, alongside regular capacity-building workshops for local government personnel. Community-Inclusive Budgeting: Adopting open-governance frameworks that allow Akoko-Edo residents to actively participate in project formulation and monitoring, thereby fostering a culture of mutual accountability.

This project work evaluates the impact of social media on the academic performance of
students in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Benin. In recent
years, the widespread use of social media platforms among university students has raised concerns about its influence on their study habits and overall academic outcomes. The main objective of this research is to investigate students’ patterns of social media usage and examine how excessive engagement with social networking sites affects their academic achievement. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, with data gathered through well-structured questionnaires administered to a representative sample of Public Administration students. The anticipated findings suggest that high levels of social media use may negatively affect academic performance by causing distractions, reducing study time, and encouraging procrastination. This project intends to contribute to existing literature by providing insight into the risks and potential benefits associated with social media use among students and by offering practical recommendations to help them develop healthier digital habits. It is hoped that the outcomes of this study will inform students, lecturers, and educational policymakers on the need for effective strategies to balance academic responsibilities with responsible social media usage

The study investigated the influence of leadership style on employee motivation and performance in public organizations: A case study of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Edo State Command. To achieve the purpose of the study, four (4) research questions were raised and answered. To achieve the purpose of the study, four (4) research questions were raised and answered. The sample size for the study was made up of 100 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that the manner in which leadership is practised significantly affects both the motivation and performance of employees in public organizations. It was concluded that leadership style is not merely a management function but a strategic determinant of employee motivation, job satisfaction, and institutional performance in public service delivery. The study recommended among others that public organizations, particularly the Nigerian Immigration Service, should prioritise democratic and transformational leadership approaches, as these styles have been shown to enhance employee motivation, engagement, and overall performance.

The study investigates the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigeria economy: a case study of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. The specific objectives are to assess to evaluate effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerian Economy, find out the extent to which fuel subsidy is useful to a majority of Nigerians, to examine what fuel subsidy removal portends for the Nigerian economy. This chapter contains the summary of findings, contribution to knowledge, conclusion and recommendations. This study employed both descriptive and inferential statistics in analyzing the data obtained. The descriptive statistics used include frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation test t was used as an inferential statistic to test the research hypotheses. All hypotheses were tested at 5% level of significance. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 20.0) software was as platform used for all the analyses. findings from the study revealed that the removal of fuel subsidy has significantly increased the cost of goods and services in Nigeria., also it was shown that majority of the respondents do not agree that the fuel subsidy system helped to make fuel prices affordable for ordinary Nigerians. It was seen that majority of the respondents agree that strongly agree that Loss of skilled manpower influence the organizational performance. it was concluded that the removal of fuel subsidy has significant effect on the Nigerian economy. It was recommended that the Federal Government should identify areas of wastages in governance such as the allocation of largesse and booties in the name of allowance. The palliatives should have been put in place before removing subsidy on fuel in other to help cushion the adverse effect of the subsidy removal.

This study was carried out to examine local government autonomy in Nigeria: issues and way forward using one local government areas in Edo State as a case study. Specifically, the study was aimed at examining if the autonomy of local government in Nigeria is achievable; study the effort of the Federal government of Nigeria in making local government autonomous; and analyze if the local government has and will have any positive effect on the populace. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 150 responses were validated from the survey. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that the autonomy of local government in Nigeria is achievable any time soon; The Federal government of Nigeria is not making any effort to make local government autonomous; and the local government has positive effect on the populace. The study therefore recommend Federal government of Nigeria to see to accomplishing of LG autonomy in the country. LGs in Nigeria need adequate autonomy that can facilitate their operations and development of the localities. This should emanate from institutionalized democratic process of elections for representative LG councils as and when due.

This study investigate the impact of national insecurity on socio-economic
development in Nigeria: a case study of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo
State. Available data on the level and dimensions of insecurity in Nigeria reveals
an increase over time, which constitutes serious threat to lives and properties,
hinders business activities and discourages local and foreign investors, all which
stifles and retards Nigeria's socio-economic development. This rising wave of
insecurity has not abated but has assumed a dangerous dimension which is
threatening the corporate existence of the country as one geographical entity. In
the light of the above the paper recommends that government must be proactive in
dealing with security issues and threats, through modern methods of intelligence
gathering, and sharing among security personnel, training, logistics, motivation,
and deploying advanced technology in managing security challenges. The real
solution lies in government accelerating the pace of economic development
through creating an economy with relevant social, economic and physical
infrastructure to support business and industrial growth.

Healthcare accessibility is pertinent to community development. The ease of accessibility of healthcare to the community has a positive impact on the members of the community and by extension serves as a factor for community development. This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting healthcare accessibility in relation to community development in the Arougba and Evbuotubu communities of Benin City, Edo State. The specific objectives were to examine the physical, financial, and administrative accessibility of healthcare facilities, as well as to investigate the awareness of healthcare utilization among residents. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational survey research design. The population of the study was 18,223 residents of Arougba and Evbuotubu communities of Benin City. The sample size was determined by the Yamane (1967) formular as 391.Structured questionnaire was the research instrument. Pearson’s correlation was used to test the hypothetical relationships between the dimensions of accessibility and community development. The findings indicated that physical accessibility (r = -0.341, p < 0.01) and financial accessibility (r = -0.518, p < 0.01) have significant negative relationships with community development, driven by deplorable road conditions and high out-of-pocket costs that strain household budgets. On the other hand, administrative accessibility (r = 0.528, p < 0.01) and awareness of utilisation (r = 0.691, p < 0.01) were found to have significant positive impacts on development. The study concludes that while the community is wellinformed and administratively supported, structural and economic barriers remain the primary inhibitors of progress. Consequently, the study recommends that the government prioritise road rehabilitation and implement inclusive health insurance schemes to reduce financial burdens and enhance the overall utilization of healthcare facilities for sustainable community development.