DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), mni, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, emphasized the need for thorough background checks in the nation’s recruitment process to ensure the selection of qualified individuals who can contribute effectively to the country’s progress.
During the 6th edition of the Commission’s ‘Arena of Knowledge’ weekly lecture series in Abuja, the DIG highlighted the importance of precise planning in recruitment to achieve goals like acquiring top talents, ensuring proper jurisdiction, and upholding democratic processes.
He stressed the challenges of placing the right individuals in bureaucratic positions and the necessity of an efficient intake system that aligns individuals’ skills and knowledge with job requirements.
Success in recruitment, according to him, hinges on clear job descriptions, as it is crucial to “identify and secure individuals with the requisite skills in the appropriate roles at the right time.”
Addressing the topic “Hiring and Firing in the Public/Civil Service: Police Service Commission (PSC) Employment and Recruitment Template, Process, and Practices,” the PSC Chairman highlighted the importance of comprehensive background checks for applicants, including their educational history, work experience, criminal records, as well as public documents such as birth and marriage certificates.
DIG Argungu emphasized that appointments in Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must be based on necessity.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sunday Abutu Garuba, Assistant Director in the Commission’s Department of Human Resource Management, also discussed the same topic during the Arena of Knowledge lecture series. He underlined that hiring and termination processes in public service demand strict adherence to existing rules and guidelines to ensure merit, transparency, and fairness in civil service selection and management.
Mr. Garuba pointed out that abiding by due process and upholding public service principles will result in a skilled, efficient, and responsive civil service that upholds integrity and excellence in serving the nation.