CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF RECRUITMENT IN THE NIGERIA PUBLIC SERVICE A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICE, KANO COMMAND

Every organization depends on the effective use of its available resources in order to achieve its objectives. These resources, if they are to be effectively utilized, should be obtained in the right quantity, right quality, and at the right time. However, the human resources is considered as the most important, most valuable, most complicated and the least predictable. It is this resource that processes other resources in order that the results of these processes would constitute the goals of the organization. Therefore, this study examined the challenges and prospects of recruitment in the Nigeria public service with reference to Nigerian Immigration Service, Kano Command as a study area. The study employed only primary method of data collection with 50 staff of Nigerian Immigration Service, Kano Command as sample size for the study. The study employed survey approach through cross sectional design. Five points likert scale questionnaire ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree was used, while statistical percentage via pie chart-histogram and graphs were used as method of data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that, inadequate transparency in recruitment procedures creates confusion among applicants and reduces trust in the system. Many respondents indicated that unclear guidelines and limited information dissemination discourage qualified candidates from participating effectively in the recruitment process. The study recommended among others that, to address the issue of inadequate transparency, the Nigeria Immigration Service should adopt clear, open, and standardized recruitment procedures. Recruitment guidelines, eligibility criteria, timelines, and selection methods should be publicly communicated through official channels such as the service website, public notices, and verified media platforms. Additionally, establishing a transparent feedback mechanism for applicants will help build trust and encourage qualified candidates to participate in the recruitment process.