Professionalization and Innovations in Nigerian Public Service: How far the Dream of Success?

• Main Author: Salami Issa Afegbua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2015-06-01
• Series: Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review
• Subjects: Professionalization; Innovation; Public Service; Public Administration New Public Management; Nigeria
• Online Access: http://www.apsdpr.org/index.php/apsdpr/article/view/82

Public service accounts for a substantial share of a country’s economic activity. It is designed as an agent of fruitful change and development in the state. The transformation of any society or system depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of its civil service. The article examines the nature of professionalization and innovation in Nigerian public service. It argues that professionalization in the public service is an overarching value that determines how its activities will be carried out. The article note that various attempts have been made in Nigeria to professionalised and encourage innovation in the public service, but these have not bring about the expected changes in the public service. It therefore advocates for professionalization and innovations as panacea to the ills of public service in Nigeria. The article concludes that no public service can meet the challenges of the twenty first century without a stronger commitment to the professionalization of its workforce.