Assessing the Impact of Federal Character Principle on Recruitment and Promotion in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, FCT, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the implementation of Federal Character principle in Nigerian public service with focus on recruitment and promotion at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). The primary purpose of the research was to determine the degree to which the federal character principle was adhered to during recruitment and promotion processes at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). The study employed a survey design consisting primarily of a structured questionnaire and observation to collect data for analysis. In contrast, secondary sources of information included journals, textbooks, internet sources, UATH's office, and other periodicals. Using Taro Yarmane's statistical sample size instrument, 89 individuals were selected from a total population of 2,742. The questionnaire data were analysed using cumulative frequency tables, mean average, and the Chi-square statistical instrument (IBM SPSS Version 23) was used to assess the study's hypotheses. In the recruitment and promotion processes at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, the federal character principle is poorly implemented, according to the findings. According to the findings, the federal character principle sacrifices merit for quota and political patronage syndrome, which led to the marginalisation of some ethnic groups. The study recommended that recruitment and promotion should be based strictly on merits by regularly publishing names of appointments of staff.  Also, regular training for management staff and efficient feedback of employees’ performance should be encouraged in order to promote merit.