Articles

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Open Access
PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF ICT/ RESOURCES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY i OF NASARAWA STATE
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2005-02-18) Ibrahim, G. Umaru
This paper reports a study on the perception and utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) by three categories of users in three higher institutions in Nasarawa State of Nigeria. Data was collected through a survey on the exposure of ICT and its wares from lecturers, students and administration staff of Nasarawa State University. Keffi (NSUK), Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa (FPN) and College of Education, Akwanga (COEA); how they use and perceive the importance of ICT in enhancing their classroom/office activities and professional practice is investigated. Analysis indicates that there is growing awareness of the critical role of new information and communication technologies in transforming students’ learning and teaching practice in Nigeria's tertiary education.
Open Access
POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN A DEREGULATED ECONOMY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DECMOCRACY IN NIGERIA.
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) S.M, Omodia
This paper unfolds the divergent mechanism for poverty alleviation in Nigeria by successive Federal Government, which has been referred to as elitist and centralist in terms of policy initiation. The paper therefore focuses on the need for greater private involvement in poverty alleviation programmes guarded by the government on two basic perspectives; first, the identification and utilization of communal resources in productive activities to better the lives of the local people. Thus. poverty alleviation should be approached not from a uniform perspective, but based on local resources to meet local needs. Secondly, a participatory poverty assessment method should be utilized in involving the target population (the poor) in policy initiation and assessing the impact of such programmes on the people
Open Access
Globalization and Public Policy in Nigeria: The External pressures of Privatization and Commercialization
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Best, Gaya Shedrach
This paper traces the historical context of globalization in Nigeria’s context, and opines that the structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) imposed by the IMF and World Bank in 1986 especially created a widened opening for the policy intervention by the Bretton Woods institutions. It adds that the present economic policy of the Obasanjo regime, along with the harsh social policies it generates, like the ones by its predecessors, cannot be devoid of the pressures exerted by the key agencies of globalization. In the final analysis, states like Nigeria can only struggle to limit the adverse effects of tins policy interference on the national policies and their populations, baseaon now much to open their economies, but can hardly escape from globalization and its external policy drive.
Open Access
IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL BUDGET TO ENHANCE RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Adefila, J.J; Adeoti, J. O.
This study examines the trend of government funding of agricultural sector through annual budgetary allocation alongside other sectors of the economy. Further more, the contribution of agriculture to national economic development was equally analyzed in order to justify the need for better funding of the sector. In so doing the methodology adopted was the theoretical analysis of the available secondary data. The study revealed that, the impact of agriculture in the area of employment generation was enormous as it accounted for between 75% and 45% share of employment generation in the country between 1990 and 1999. respectively. The study further revealed that government funding of agriculture was rather too low between 1991 and 1998 as the budgetary allocation to agriculture in any particular year was never more than 5% of the total budget. It even went to as low as 1.8% in 1994 while the highest was 4.2% in 1991. Furthermore, in 1999, 2000 and 2001 it received 5.1%. 1.9% and 2.25%. respectively. All these are obvious evidence of neglect suffered by the sector in the area of funding. U was therefore recommended that to enhance agricultural output, the sector needs to be better funded (in order to develop simple farm equipment for cultivation, harvesting, processing and storage) so as to bring about a noticeable improvement
Open Access
THE CRISIS OF EXTERNAL DEBT MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Uwaleke, Uchenna
Since the early 1980’s when the debt crisis emerged, the country has found itself in what has been described as the debt trap. This paper discuses the crosscutting issues in the management of Nigeria’s external debt crisis. Drawing from experiences of countries in similar circumstances, it posits that much of Nigeria’s problem has been occasioned Oy the absence of an effective debt management strategy- one that is geared towards a significant reduction in the debt stock. Using some debt burden indicators, it highlights the enormity of the challenges posed by the debt overhang. The paper concludes with the assertion that these challenges can be surmounted, not by the on-going efforts at obtaining debt relief, but through a conscious and determined effort bv the Nigerian people and government to systematically repay what is being owed.
Open Access
EFFECTIVE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: A STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH PEOPLE IN NIGERIA
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) S. Tende, E. S. I. Ejere
ABSTRACT The need for productivity improvement is manifest in Nigeria as in other countries of the world, whether developed or developing. The productivity improvement movement has gained impetus mainly because of the importance of increased productivity to economic growth and invariably national development. The most critical factor in productivity improvement efforts is the human element. Thus, this paper advocates the better management of human resources as a key strategy for improving productivity through people in Nigeria. The rationale for canvassing this strategy is self-evident particularly because the effectiveness of any organisation is largely dependent upon the optimal utilisation of human resources. To achieve high levels of labour productivity, it is therefore imperative for there to be effective management of human resources.
Open Access
THE ROLE OF ACCOUNTANTS AS PROFESSIONALS IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Iyoha, Francis O.
There is a nexus between Accounting and economic well-being The nexus flows from the role, which Accounting information traditionally plays, on the one hand in securing accountability, and on the other, in improving and facilitating optimal decision making in any situation where choice amongst alternatives is involved. It means therefore that the accounting function is inseparable from the task of managing the National economy. The Accountants as professionals and as practical Economists have vital roles to play in shaping the tune of National development. But the nature of the roles the Accountants can play has always been a closed book. This is one of the reasons why the services of professional Accountants have not been employed on a large scale in the task of National Development. This paper has therefore discussed the nature of the roles of professional Accountants in national development and the gains that could accrue from performing such roles.
Open Access
CHEQUES NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT: THE NIGERIAN PARADIGM
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Abbah, Edache Idoko James
All over the world despite the eminence of credit cards, the use of cheques is very important to the execution of commercial transactions. In Nigeria however, the use of cheques is rather limited as cheques are viewed with suspicion. This need not be so as there are adequate provisions to enforce obligations created by the issuance of a cheque. The greatest benefit of cheques to the Nigerian society today is its capability of eliminating the menace of robbery incidents to the barest minimum
Open Access
MILITARY RULE AND FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA: A REFLECTION ON IBRAHIM BABANGIDA’S ADMINISTRATION (1985 - 1993)
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Baba, Patrick Oti; James, O. Ojobo
This article examines the effect of military rule on Nigerian federalism, using Ibrahim Babangida's regime (1985-1993) as a focus. Intellectual viewpoint often maintains that both federalism and military government can co-exist but the authors hold the view that the hierarchical, centralized and authoritarian structure of military government and federalism are antithetical and incompatible While Ibrahim Babangida's administration paraded itself as an operator of federal political system, the same government suspended the constitution, administered the country through draconian decrees, enthroned and dethroned military governors in each state at will, disregarded judicial verdicst and was neither a believer nor advocate of public accountability. Conversely, federalism rests squarely on a supportive political culture and democratic principles, which are obviously incongruent and diametrically opposed to military dictatorship. It was therefore concluded that Babangida 's authoritarian administration (1985-1993) strangled Nigerian federalism and that federalism can only survive and develop under a democratic government
Open Access
PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF ICT/ RESOURCES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF NASARAWA STATE
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Umaru, IIbrahim G.; Lagi, Theophilus Daniel.
This paper reports a study on the perception and utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) by three categories of users in three higher institutions in Nasarawa State of Nigeria. Data was collected through a survey on the exposure of ICT and its wares from lecturers, students and administration staff of Nasarawa State University. Keffi (NSUK), Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa (FPN) and College of Education, Akwanga (COEA); how they use and perceive the importance of ICT in enhancing their classroom/office activities and professional practice is investigated. Analysis indicates that there is growing awareness of the critical role of new information and communication technologies in
Open Access
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION MANAGEMENT IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY.THE NIGERIAN ORGANISATION IN PERSPECTIVE
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Embugus, Barde Barnabas,
Most developing countries are faced with the problem of unemployment and underemployment which is a serious handicap to the maximum utilization of our Human resources. Resource requirement, planning and management is strategic in any development programme. Every economic system requires the usage of resources for growth and development. Human resources management is a strategic, coherent anci comprehensive approach to the management and development of the organization of human resources. It is therefore imperative to understand the relevance of human resource mobilization, management and utilization in Nigerian organisations. This paper discuses the various areas of human resource, availability, selection, development and management for organizational growth. It also identifies resource inadequacies and profers recommendations.
Open Access
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF SELECTED BANKS
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Akpan, A. B.
A major problem facing the Nigerian banking industry has been a less than primary attention to quality customer service. Consequently, customers are not very satisfied with the level of quality provided. The banks have not fared very well in their effort to stimulate favourable attitude and impression toward their products and services. In most cases lack of innovativeness and strategic flexibility. which are the key determinants of service quality and basic ingredients for sustainable competitive advantage have been deliberately encouraged. This study, “Effective Management of Quality Customer Service in the Nigerian Banking Industry: A study of Selected Banks” was designed to (among other objectives) find out how Nigerian banks manage service quality. A primary objective of the study was the identification of they determinants of service quality, bases for differentiating bank services, and what banks do to consistently provide quality customer service. The survey research method was used, using semi - structured questionnaires. The four banks used (First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Union Bank of Nigeria PLC. United Bank for Africa PLC, and Citizen International Bank) were selected on the basis of years in operation. Data for the study were collected from both management staff and customers of the four banks under study. Data collected were collated and analyzed using simple percentages. The study revealed that: The key determinants of service quality included: receptiveness of customer service people, courtesy, and prompt service delivery. The bases used by banks to differentiate their services from the competition include: prompt service delivery, competent personnel, reliability, responsiveness, communication, systems, and flexibility. Standardization, employee training and effective supervision were among the strategies used by banks to achieve consistency of service quality between employees, between visits, and between geographical locations. 70.6% of bank customers were not satisfied with the quality of services provided by their banks. A major recommendation of the study was that the banks should add value to their services by making customer services accessible and consistent with simplified processes.
Open Access
FRAUD CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT IN INSURANCE BUSINESS
(Department of Public Administration, 2005-03-05) Ndubuisi, M.O
ABSTRACT Insurance business is based on truth but fraught with frauds perpetrated by the various actors in the insurance industry i.e. the insured, the broker, the loss adjuster and ironically the underwriters. Munich Re of Germany in 1994 published an article titled Insurance frauds in life, health and accident insurance’ which is only a small fraction of the myriads of politics available in the insurance industry. An attempt has been made to view insurance fraud in virtually all the main classes of insurance; indemnity and indemnity policies. The various stages of insurance business at which fraud can be committed have been highlighted with a view to alerting all and sundry on when, where, and how insurance fraud can be committed as well as the potential fraudsters. Having discussed insurance and fraud generally some recommendations have been made on how to minimize insura
Open Access
A BASELINE SURVEY OF THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN NASARAWA STATE: SOME PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2006-01-10) Fatima, I. Abdulhamid; Ibrahim, Umaru
Nigerian informal sector has been operating under a constraining policy environment. Yet, it has shown great resilience and continued dynamism. The sector also plays very important role in the overall economy as they are found in both the urban and rural areas, and are involved in a multiplicity of activities including manufacturing and non-manufacturing. Our understanding of the informal sector at the micro level therefore will greatly enhance the articulation and implementation of workable public policy at the grassroots level. This becomes even most relevant for Nasarawa State. The study came out with some rather unique but obvious findings. It recommends that for the State to achieve rapid development and economic transformation, the Government must accord adequate attention to the peculiar problems of the sector.
Open Access
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROJECT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2006-03-27) Francis, A. Akawu
Strategic planning and project portfolio management is panacea to under-funding of the local governments in Nigeria today in view of the fact that the statutory allocation to that tier is grossly inadequate to sustain development programmes. There is the need to initiate viable projects that could generate revenue to supplement what is obtained from the Federal Pool Account. In identifying and selecting such viable projects, one requires carrying out investment analysis and the criteria for doing that include profitability dividends, price/earning ratios. In addition that the local councils should formulate and execute strategy and action plans judiciously in order to achieve the desired goal. Such desired dream can only be realized if there is effective and free-corrupt leadership on ground.
Open Access
CORRUPTION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: A CASE STUDY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2006-04-12) James, A. Ojobo; Sam, Tende B.A.
In order to achieve these objectives, various functions have been reserved for the local government councils which are duly enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic. of Nigeria. This study is concerned with the high level of corruption in the local government The local government councils, however, continue to be assessed poorly by the general populace in the performance of their duties. A survey carried out in this study established as much in addition, the survey identified problems besetting the councils to range from the perceived structural defects of the local government councils to high operational cost and corruption. This study intend to find out the extent and causes of corruption in the local government and its impact on society with a view of proffering solutions that will wipe out or at least reduce corruption in the system to the barest minimum. The Nigerian local government is used as the focus of the study. Given this objective, primary and secondary data were employed in the collection of the data. It was established that poor conditions of service, lack of rapid promotion, poor recruitment and wrong placement, among others are responsible for corruption in the local government.
Open Access
INTERPRETATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2006-05-10) Abdulkarim, A. Kana
In Nigeria the Government is the singular largest employer of labour. Yet statistics show that the entire Civil and Public service employs just about two million out of nearly 200 Million Nigerians. The Shortcut to wealth is the Government funds. Thus the top Public Servants, Politicians and Contractors are the most affluent Nigerians. Public sector is a lucrative avenue Civil Servants living far above their incomes are a common sight because the Code of Conduct that regulates the public service is ineffective. The aim of this paper is to examine the existing Code of Conduct for Public Officers with the goal of highlighting its contents and limitations from which to recommend how to make it function more efficiently.
Open Access
PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS IN A DEMOCRACY: THE IMPERATIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY TOWARDS COMBATING CORRUPTION
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2006-06-02) Jonathan, A. Angbas
Nigeria no doubt has lost decades of development efforts given its slow and sometimes negative growth rates in spite of its enormous resource endowment Bad governance and the evil of corruption have often been cited as reasons for this poor performance. The present democratically elected government has realized this, and has lunched a reform agenda in an attempt to redirect effort towards developing the economy. The thinking in government is to reform the public sector so as to eliminate waste and tackle the evil of corruption through promotion of transparency and accountability. An evaluation of these reforms is attempted in this paper. The success or otherwise of these reforms depends on the sincerity and political of the government.
Open Access
A MANAGERIAL INVOLVEMENT IMPLICATION OF "OR" PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2006-06-16) James, C. Ihemeje
This paper explores the effect of management participation in the successful implementation of projects in the developing countries. A group of operations research analysts and management practitioners in Lagos State were sampled on the degree of managerial involvement in a project, using structured questionnaires. It was concluded that management participation is an important variable of effecting the probability of project implementation it was found that greater participation of managers increases the chances that the findings of OR/MS study will be implemented. Therefore, the result concludes that there is need to involve more managerial participation of OR/MS projects.
Open Access
EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MARKETING OF UTILITY SERVICES BY STATE WATER AGENCIES
(Department of public Administration, Nasarawa state University, Keffi., 2006-06-17) A. B, Akpan
The primary goal of this study was to find out how state water agencies can generate revenue through effective and efficient marketing of utility services. The pubic strongly believes that state water agencies in Nigeria are not viable enterprises. Customer complaints revolve around arbitrary charges, indiscriminate disconnections, faulty bills and delays in billing, vandalization of agencies/equipment and properties, and a total lack of customer care. The study employed a descriptive - elemental approach using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed major sources of revenue available to state water agencies such as: proceeds from supply of potable water, income received from hired equipment, connection and reconnection fees, and interest and dividends received on agencies investments. The study also indicated the following customer - related problems; non-settlement of bills, illegal connections, vandalisation of agencies' equipment and properties and customer ignorance of the role of the agencies. The study strongly recommended effective typing of customers for quality service delivery and a total customer orientation for sustainable revenue generation.