Why we invited EFCC, ICPC, DSS, others to monitor Perm Secs selection process – Yemi-Esan

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan has offered an insight into why the service decided to employ the services of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) to monitor the selection process for Permanent Secretaries.

Aside from the invitation extended to the anti-graft agencies, Yemi-Esan disclosed that other government agencies and non-government actors were also actively involved in an effort to promote transparency and ensure the integrity of the process

This revelation was made on Tuesday during her keynote address at the 2023 Convocation Lecture of the University of Ibadan titled, “Promoting the Culture of Meritocracy: A Panacea for National Development.”

Yemi-Esan said the anti-graft bodies involved in the process played a crucial role in ensuring that the selection process remained free from corruption and impropriety.

Lamenting apparent pressure and antics of rent seekers and socio-political lobbyists, Yemi-Esan said she insisted that the right thing must be done in the process leading to the selection of Permanent Secretaries saying this was the covenant she has with God.

She acknowledged that her personal attempt to compromise the process would be futile due to the comprehensive involvement of these organisations.

“With the involvement of key agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, alongside non-government actors, Nigeria is revolutionising its selection process for Permanent Secretaries.

“This collaborative effort seeks to ensure that only the best and most deserving individuals are appointed to these crucial positions, bringing the promise of a better-governed nation.”

Recalling her experience prior to her appointment as Permanent Secretary, Yemi-Esan said that she was equally subjected to a selection process in which she had to justify her competence by preparing for the position she was vying and that no one except God made her appointment possible.

She said that it was with this conscience that she vowed to ensure that as Head of Service, such level of integrity in the process leading to the selection of permanent secretaries would be adopted and upheld.

Yemi-Esan pointed out that in advanced meritocratic systems globally, positions of authority, as well as responsibility are ceded to individuals who have earned such positions through diligence and competence, rather than their socio-economic status or other socio-demographic characteristics.

“Meritocracy, or government by those with talent, seems self-evidently a good idea. The most able people will produce the best possible results. Therefore, the welfare of the whole population will be optimized. Meritocracy offers a fair system, which results in better outcomes for both the individual and society”, she stated.

“The ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, previously revealed the potential for corruption in the selection process during the National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in the Public Service.

“He exposed that many prospective permanent secretaries have been implicated in financial impropriety and other corrupt practices. In response to this revelation, the ICPC has been working closely with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to crackdown on fake appointments and thoroughly screen candidates for these positions.

“Committed to tackling corruption head-on, the Head of Service commended the efforts of the ICPC, acknowledging their vital role in ensuring that only individuals with impeccable track records occupy such important government positions.”

Yemi-Esan drew inspiration from countries like India, Singapore, China, and Rwanda, where meritocracy is deeply ingrained within their public service systems.

She highlighted the positive correlation between a meritocratic approach and economic growth, as seen in the higher tax revenue mobilization, reduced corruption, better public financial management, and overall economic development recorded in these countries.

During the Convocation Lecture, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, lauded Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan’s exceptional leadership and her relentless pursuit of meritocracy in the Federal Civil Service. He stressed the need for a meritocratic system at all levels of governance, emphasizing that it serves as a catalyst for rapid national development.

Also During the Lecture, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted Dr. Yemi-Esan’s outstanding academic achievements at the University of Ibadan, where she graduated as the top student in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor and the Faculty of Dentistry commended Dr. Yemi-Esan for her notable contributions to public service, presenting her with various accolades.