The Auditor-General for the Federation, Dr. Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, has expressed concerns that weak capacity in Nigeria's public service could hinder effective policy implementation, public resource management, and service delivery. He emphasized the need for public servants to upgrade their professional skills and knowledge to meet the growing complexity of government operations. This call was made during the launch of a book, 'The Next Level: Questions and Answers for Public Service Examinations', authored by Adesoye Tajudeen.
Dr. Chira described the Nigerian public service as the "engine room" of policy implementation, public accountability, and service delivery. He stressed that continuous capacity development is essential due to expanding government responsibilities. Public servants can no longer rely solely on existing knowledge, as the public sector faces complex demands in areas like financial management, procurement, taxation, auditing, regulation, and technology. The Auditor-General emphasized the need for a more competent, efficient, and accountable workforce.
The Auditor-General highlighted that promotion examinations should not be viewed merely as hurdles to career advancement but as mechanisms for determining whether officers are adequately prepared for greater responsibilities and leadership positions. He noted that the book covers critical areas, including audit practice, financial regulations, public service rules, foreign service regulations, procurement procedures, and taxation. The practical orientation of the publication is particularly important, as it tests not only knowledge but its application to public-sector operations.
Dr. Chira disclosed that the Federal Civil Service Commission has adopted the publication for the ongoing transition to computer-based testing (CBT) for directorate cadre promotion examinations. The shift to CBT has changed examination preparation requirements, necessitating candidates to combine subject-matter knowledge with familiarity with technology-driven assessment. He urged public servants, particularly those aspiring to leadership positions, to embrace continuous learning beyond passing promotion examinations.
The author of the book, Adesoye Tajudeen, stated that his personal experience preparing for promotion examinations inspired the publication. Tajudeen, a director in the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, aimed to provide a resource that covers major areas from which promotion examination questions are usually drawn. The book has been described as a major relief for public servants preparing for promotion examinations amid demanding work schedules.
The acting director in the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaibu Sikiru, reviewed the publication and noted its relevance to public servants preparing for promotion examinations. He highlighted that the book covers critical areas, including professional practice, public service rules, and current affairs. The publication's adoption by the Federal Civil Service Commission underscores its importance in the ongoing transition to CBT.
Dr. Chira's call for continuous learning and capacity development in the public service underscores the need for public servants to remain effective, relevant, and responsive to government and citizens' expectations. The book launch and adoption by the Federal Civil Service Commission demonstrate efforts to enhance public service capacity and promote a more competent, efficient, and accountable workforce.
Key points
- Inadequate capacity in Nigeria's public service could undermine policy implementation and service delivery.
- The Auditor-General emphasizes the need for public servants to upgrade their professional skills and knowledge.
- The Federal Civil Service Commission has adopted a book to support the transition to computer-based testing for promotion examinations.
