THE EFFECTS OF STAFF SCREENING EXERCISE ON CURBING CORRUPTION IN KOGI STATE CIVIL SERVICE

Alabi T. J, Olayemi M. S, Michael S. M

Department of Mathematics/Statistics 

School of Applied Sciences 

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja Kogi State 

1 Phone No: +2348039176105, E-mail: alatajo2002@yahoo.com 

2 Phone No: +2348035756532, E-mail: apostlemike47@gmail.com 

3 Phone No: +2348073872844, E-mail: michael.sunday.m@mail.com 

Abstract: This study is an assessment of the effects of staff screening exercise in curbing corruption in Kogi State Civil Service. The source of data collection is primary involving the use of field questionnaire, interview, group discussion and participant observations. Out of the 400 sample population questionnaire administered, only 382 questionnaire were retrieved from the respondents. The data collated were analysed using simple percentage. From the analysis carried out, we discovered that the staff screening exercise held in Kogi State has in no doubt assisted in no measure to discover some abnormality in the State Civil Service. Although, there were a lot of flaws such as compulsory retiring of people who are not due for retirement, calling workers on study leave in diaspora ghost workers, just a few to mention. Nevertheless, the outcome has really revealed some level of corruptions in the Kogi State Civil Service system which we term as being successful. Appropriate recommendations were made as to improve the working condition in the State Civil Service.

 Keywords: Corruption, Curbing, Civil Service, Staff Screening

1. Introduction 

Despite the long years of independence, Nigeria is still battling with the problem of good governance. The leadership in the country has been characterised by lack of vision, political bickering and above all, the leaders have been enmeshed in gross corruption, which has become a great threat to the nation's survival (Kuffuor, 2009). According to Ogundiya (2009), corruption is a huge challenge in the Nigerian public administration. Corruption has eaten deep into every segment of the Nigerian Society is to affirm the obvious. This can be confirmed from the revelations of many probe panels that have been set up at different times by different regimes in the country.