Vol. 1 Issue 1 - 2024
Public sector accountability remains a critical issue in developing economies, particularly in sub-national government institutions where weak oversight mechanisms and administrative inefficiencies often create opportunities for corruption. In Nigeria, the education sector has continued to face persistent challenges related to financial mismanagement, abuse of office, lack of transparency and weak enforcement of ethical standards. This study empirically examined public sector accountability and anti-corruption strategies in the Osun State Teaching Service Commission, (TESCOM) Using a descriptive survey design, the population of the study comprised 420 respondents. A sample of 210 was selected and a self-designed questionnaire tagged “Public Sector Accountability and Anti-Corruption Questionnaire (PSAACQ) was the instrument used for the study. Expert screened the tool to ensure its validity. The tests-retest approach was used to assess the instrument's reliability. Twenty administrators who weren't in the study region received the instrument twice over the course of two weeks. Pearson's Products Moment Correlation Statistics was used to analyze the data collected. The obtained reliability coefficient of 0.82 was deemed sufficient to establish the instrument's reliability. The findings indicated that, accountability mechanisms significantly influence the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies. Also, staff perception of accountability varies by hierarchical position, with senior staff perceiving mechanisms as more effective. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: Teaching service commission should enhance internal control systems, regular audits, transparent reporting structures and clear lines of responsibility to improve compliance and reduce corruption risks. Also, staff regular workshops and seminars should be organised to educate all staff on accountability practices and anti-corruption policies, with emphasis on junior and less experienced staff.
Public Sector Accountability, Anti-corruption Strategies, Teaching Service Commission, Transparency,
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