Recruitment and Selection Practices in Nigerian Institutions of Higher Learning

Abstract

Recruitment and selection have become essential tools in organizations because individuals with appropriate qualifications need to be attracted in sufficient numbers and on a timely basis.  The objective of this paper therefore, is to examine the recruitment and selection process and procedures in Nigeria with special reference to institutions of higher learning.  This is an opinion paper which made use of secondary data and on point assessment of information from the critical sector. The study revealed that the recruitment and selection process in Nigerian higher institutions is clouded in subjectivity and not based on objective criteria that make the whole activity both inefficient and ineffective.  The authors therefore, recommend that there should be a reversal of this trend first, by making the application process less complex and cumbersome so that highly qualified candidates will be motivated to apply for vacant positions. Secondly, there should be some form of objective criteria in the selection process instead of basing everything on subjectivity. Thirdly, recruitment and selection should be based on manpower needs assessment and requirement.  Finally, there should be transparency in the entire process of recruitment and selection rather than behind the scene recruitment and selection. When all these are done, there will be a robust recruitment and selection process that will ensure finding the right people that will not be difficult to lead and manage in a way that maximizes the level of their individual engagement.

Keywords: recruitment, selection, employment consultants, recruitment policies, employee engagement

DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-30-15

Publication date:October 31^st 2019