DYNAMICS FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS IN SOME SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
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Abstract
In some selected Local Government areas of Delta State, Nigeria, this study evaluates the training requirements for public administrators. For this study, a cross-sectional research design was chosen. In order to collect its data, this study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. To assess the training needs of public administrators at the local government level in a few chosen Local Government areas of Delta State, Nigeria, it used both a questionnaire and an in-depth interview. Due to its suitability for ensuring systematic scientific discovery, this research design was chosen. The sample size of 400 was attained from the total of 803,300 populations eligible for this study using the sample size determination of Yamane’s formula. Data collected from the questionnaire were collated, coded and imputed into the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS version 23.0, 2020) for data analysis. The study found that only one in three local governments train new hires in administrative law, information technology, organizational behavior, personnel management, public policymaking, research methodology, and public finance. Two local governments, on the other hand, offered training in budgeting and financial management, management studies, and public finance. Although chairpersons of local governments, the head of personnel management, and councilors stress the value of training and development for sustained growth, none of them allocate funds for it. The study makes several recommendations, one of which is that local government public administrators should make a significant effort to transition their level of government from an outdated, traditional mode to a new model of governance that fosters a culture of customer-focused service. The concern of the public will be greatly addressed by this new consumer-oriented service approach and partnership between public servants and community organizations.
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