E.I. OKONMAH

This research examined the level of political interference in the implementation of public procurement in public institutions. The objective of this study aimed at assessing the level of political interference in the implementation of Public Procurement process, identifying other factors affecting public procurement implementation in public institutions and suggesting some possible remedies to preventing political interference in public procurement implementation in public institutions. For this study, the survey research design was adopted. The choice of the design was informed by the objectives of the study as outlined in chapter one. This research design provides a quickly efficient and accurate means of assessing information about a population of interest. The population for this study were workers in Civil Service Commission in Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 100 respondents were selected from the population figure out of which the sample size was determined. Public procurement activities suffer from neglect, lack of direction, poor co-ordination, lack of open competition and transparency, differing levels of corruption and most importantly not having a cadre of trained and qualified procurement specialists, who are competent to conduct and manage such procurements, in a professional, timely and cost-effective manner. Inflexible and bureaucratic systems of procurement contribute to unacceptable contract delays, increased costs, the potential for manipulation of contract awards and lack of fair competition, all of which create the perception in the population at large, that public expenditure is slow, ineffective, expensive and often corrupt

The study examined employee absenteeism and performance of workers in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to examine employee absenteeism and performance of workers in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State. The specific objectives are as follows; to determine the extent absenteeism of local government employees has affected the output of the local governments in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State; to examine the extent absenteeism of local government employees has affected the provision of social amenities by the local governments in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State; to ascertain various challenges that leads to absenteeism of local government employees in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State and to proffer recommendations to the challenges that leads to absenteeism of local government employees in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State. Furthermore, population of the study comprises all staff of Ndokwa-East Local Government Area of Delta State. According to the Human Resource Department of Ndokwa-East Local Government Area of Delta State, the total staff strength of council members is 1031. The research will adopt the stratified random sampling and simple random sampling (probability sampling technique) in selecting 400 respondents (Staff of Ndokwa-East government Area) for this study. The four hundred (400) sample size was determined through the Taro Yamane formular. The study reveals amongst others that absenteeism of employees has affected the performance of Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State. The study further observed that due to absenteeism of staff in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta citizens viewed government business as unserious. Furthermore, the government should make available more funds to enable the sustainability drive of local government area workers in terms of morale motivation

This research is focused on the Assessment of the factors influencing economic migration among Edo State youths. This study will examine the major factors and influence of migration. It also identified the challenges faced by Edo state deportees/returnees and the efficacy of social work intervention as well as potential ways in which social workers through them an date of social work can play a pivotal role in responding to these issues. The study through the data collected found out that diverse factors which from economic related to social factors such as household and peer pressure, including the growing impact of globalization on the Nigeria youth and strict immigration control by developed countries contribute as motivating factors and drivers of migration in Edo state. The results of the analysis shows that poverty, unemployment, influence of migrants' social networks, globalization and the problem of "get rich quick syndrome" as major factors of international migration. However, strategies and interventions, by way of an integrated approach, have been highlighted to combat it.

This study investigated government policy on youths employment in Nigeria, taking an appraisal of President Buhari’s administration from 2015-2022. In order to achieve the aim and objectives of the study five research questions and one hypothesis were formulated. The study used descriptive survey method. The sample size for the study was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. A total of 204 workers were drawn using purposive sampling technique from the target population of 520 workers in the ministries of works, labor and productivity, youth development as well as N-Power employees, in Edo State. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, grand mean, frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that youth employment and empowerment plays significant role on national development in Nigeria. Further results
showed that the problems that militate against the youth employment include poor implementation of existing policies and programmed, lack of efficient policies on youth employment, lack of social infrastructures make rural life unattractive, rural urban migration, concentration of social amenities in the urban centers, lack of employable skills and experience among youths, uncontrollable population growth, and corruption among others. The study affirmed that to a very high extent the current government policies have failed to help in solving the problems of youth employment in Nigeria. The study concluded that ineffectiveness of government policies to create jobs and find solutions to the unemployment has contributed to the static nature of the socio-economic development in Nigeria. The study implies that youth employment in Nigeria is essential for the rural and national development, as well as a key component in manpower development in Nigeria. Hence, adequate funding and commitment from both the Government, labor leaders, and policy makers will go a long way to help to promote youth employment and national development. Finally, the study recommended that government should fully implement the existing policies especially the national employment policy, also the government should provide social infrastructures in rural areas invest in human capital development and involve youths in the decision making process

This study evaluates the impact of e-governance on public service delivery in with specific focus on the Edo State Government from 2016 to 2024. The study examines how the adoption of digital governance platforms has influenced administrative efficiency, transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in service delivery. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources, including structured interviews and government publications. The study adopts a descriptive and qualitative approach, analyzing respondents’ perspectives across two main categories — civil servants and non-civil servants — to assess the practical implications of e-governance initiatives. Findings revealed that the integration of e- governance tools, such as the EdoBEST education reform platform, online payment systems, and digital civil service management processes, has enhanced efficiency and accessibility in public service delivery. However, challenges such as poor internet infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and policy inconsistency still affect optimal implementation. The study recommends among others that government should improve internet connectivity and upgrade digital infrastructure, provide staff with continuous ICT training, as well as promote public awareness and inclusiveness in strengthening e-service delivery.

Access to higher education is universally acknowledged as a critical driver of individual empowerment and national development. In Nigeria, however, the pathway to tertiary education is often obstructed by financial barriers that prevent many deserving students from pursuing their academic aspirations. This financial exclusion not only hampers human capital development but also reinforces the cycle of poverty and inequality (Odia & Omofonmwan, 2007). Over the years, the demand for university education in Nigeria has risen significantly due to population growth, increased awareness of the importance of education, and a youthful demographic. However, this surge in demand has not been matched by a corresponding increase in public funding. Government subventions to public universities have remained relatively stagnant, leading to overcrowded classrooms, decaying infrastructure, and underfunded student support systems. Consequently, many students find themselves unable to afford tuition and associated costs, resulting in either non-enrollment or premature dropout. 8 Recognizing these systemic challenges, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in 2023, as a bold and transformative step toward democratizing access to higher education. Enacted under the Nigeria Student Loan Act and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NELFUND aims to provide interest-free loans to undergraduates in public tertiary institutions, thus removing financial hardship as a barrier to educational attainment (Edugist, 2023; Premium Times, 2023)

This study examined the Effective method of communication in Nigeria civilservice: A case study of university Benin. Effective communication is a vital component of a well-functioning civil service, particularly in a diverse and complex country like Nigeria. Thisstudy investigatesthe communication dynamics within the Nigeria civil service, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the current communication framework. A mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, was employed to gather data from civil servants across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The findings reveal that while there are some positive communication practices in place, significant challenges persist, including inadequate feedback mechanisms, limited access to information, and a prevalent culture of silence. To address these challenges, the study proposes a holistic communication framework that incorporates modern communication technologies, regular feedback mechanisms, and a culture of openness and transparency. The proposed framework has the potential to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the Nigeria civil service, ultimately contributing to better governance and service delivery.

This study was designed to examine the work-life balance and its impact on employee performance in Edo State Civil Service (2011 – 2021). The objectives of the study include the following: To examine if work flexibility affects the organizational productivity in Edo state civil service, to investigate if employer/employee relationship have any effect on increased productivity in Edo State civil service, to examine the influence of work environment on organizational productivity in Edo State civil service, to investigate how job security affects organizational productivity in Edo state civil service. The study adopted survey research design. The population of study of this research is made up of the population of study of this research is made up of both senior and junior staff of three ministries (Information and Orientation, Commerce and Industries and education) of Edo state civil service with a population of 6,241. The instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire which was administered to the study sampled respondents. Out of the 600 questionnaires distributed, 587 copies were retrieved. The data collected was analyzed using simple percentage and chi square analytical method to test the hypotheses generated for the study. The study discovered amongst others that, work flexibility has an impact on organizational productivity in Edo state civil service. Also, Safe work environment affects organizational productivity in Edo state civil service. Furthermore, policy recommendations were adopted which include amongst others that, more work flexibility should be encouraged in Edo state civil service. Also, healthy employer employee relationship should be cultivated in Edo state civil service.