RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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.