1. Define financial embarrassment as used in the Public Service Rules and explain its consequences.

Answer:
Financial embarrassment is when an officer is unable to meet their financial obligations, especially when they are repeatedly indebted or their salary is under garnishee order. Consequences include warning, disciplinary action, loss of promotion chances, and possible reduction in responsibilities because it brings disrepute to the service.

2. Give three examples of situations that may amount to financial embarrassment.

Answer:
i. Repeated inability to repay loans.
ii. Court judgement debts leading to salary garnishment.
iii. Owing rent or cooperative society loans for long periods without arrangement for repayment.

3. Explain the disciplinary steps taken when financial embarrassment is reported.

Answer:
The officer receives a query, submits explanation, and the Head of Department reviews the response. If unsatisfactory, the case is sent to the appropriate disciplinary authority who may impose penalties ranging from warning to reduction of rank or other sanctions.

4. What is an acting appointment and when is it granted?

Answer:
It is a temporary appointment where an officer performs the duties of a higher post because the substantive holder is absent, transferred, or the post is vacant. It is granted when the officer meets the qualifications and there is a clear need.

5. Describe the rights and limitations of an officer holding an acting appointment.

Answer:
Rights: entitlement to acting allowance, ability to sign documents of that office.
Limitations: not a substantive holder, may be removed anytime, and cannot exercise powers reserved only for confirmed substantive officers.

6. Outline the procedure for converting an acting appointment to a substantive appointment.

Answer:
The officer must be duly recommended, meet all qualification requirements, pass any prescribed examination, satisfy performance conditions, and obtain approval from the Commission or relevant authority.

7. List categories of officers to whom the Public Service Rules do not fully apply.

Answer:
i. Contract staff.
ii. Part-time employees.
iii. Political office holders.

8. Provide three concrete examples of contractual terms that may override the PSR.

Answer:
i. Duration of employment fixed by contract.
ii. Special salary not aligned to civil service structure.
iii. Special termination clauses different from PSR rules.

9. Explain the concept of Certificate of Service and when it is issued.

Answer:
It is an official document summarising an officer’s employment history. It is issued when an officer resigns, retires, or leaves service.

10. What information must appear on a Certificate of Service?

Answer:
Name, date of first appointment, positions held, period of service, conduct, and date of exit.

11. Distinguish between junior posts and senior posts.

Answer:
Junior posts: GL 01–06 performing routine/support duties.
Senior posts: GL 07 and above performing administrative, executive, or managerial roles.

12. Define General Executive Cadre and its responsibilities.

Answer:
A cadre responsible for administrative and executive support tasks such as coordination, record management, drafting memos, and assisting in policy execution.

13. What is meant by child of a public servant?

Answer:
A biological, adopted, or legally recognised dependent child listed in official records for benefits.

14. State the membership composition of recognised examination/professional committees.

Answer:
A chairman, subject experts, Commission/HOS representatives, and a secretary for documentation.

15. List the examinations prescribed for promotion to the Executive Officer cadre.

Answer:
General Promotion Examination, departmental proficiency exams, and performance assessment.

16. State the prescribed examination(s) for Administrative Officers.

Answer:
Administrative Officers’ Professional Exam plus internal promotion assessments.

17. When may the Government refund medical expenses incurred overseas?

Answer:
When prior approval was obtained, local treatment is unavailable, and valid receipts and medical reports are submitted.

18. Name three documents that can support prolonged illness absence.

Answer:
Medical certificate, specialist report, medical board report.

19. Enumerate the four categories of Oyo State parastatals.

Answer:
Regulatory bodies, service agencies, commercial enterprises, and research/training institutions.

20. Explain the process for applying for medical leave.

Answer:
Submit application with medical certificate → HOD reviews → forwarded to approving authority → medical board review for long-term cases.

21. Describe the criteria used to approve compassionate leave.

Answer:
It is granted for serious family emergencies such as death or critical illness of close relatives, verified by documentation.

22. How is annual leave calculated for an officer who joined mid-year?

Answer:
Pro-rated based on months of service in the year (Annual leave ÷ 12 × months worked).

23. What is the minimum notice period for annual leave?

Answer:
Normally at least one month, except emergencies.

24. Differentiate between study leave with pay and study leave without pay.

Answer:
Study leave with pay: officer receives full salary.
Without pay: salary stops and the officer is responsible for personal upkeep.

25. State the rules governing maternity leave and eligibility.

Answer:
Female officers get the approved duration (e.g., 16 weeks) with full pay after presenting medical evidence and completing required service period.

26. Explain the procedure for resuming duty after prolonged sick leave.

Answer:
Officer submits fitness-to-work certificate, reports to HOD, and documentation is forwarded to Establishments for clearance.

27. What constitutes absence without leave and its sanctions?

Answer:
Failure to report for duty without approval for 24 hours or more. Sanctions include query, suspension, or dismissal.

28. Define abscondment and explain departmental steps.

Answer:
Abscondment is continuous absence for 21 working days without notice. Officer is queried, notice of abandonment issued, and dismissal processed.

29. List documents required before overseas training.

Answer:
Admission letter, study proposal, bond form, medical certificate, and approval from HOS/Commission.

30. Explain rules on travelling allowances.

Answer:
Allowances are paid for authorised official journeys based on grade level and must be supported with travel warrant or approval letter.

31. Role of Head of Service in acting appointments.

Answer:
Approves or recommends acting appointments for senior positions and ensures compliance with PSR.

32. Role of the Public Service Commission in discipline.

Answer:
Reviews cases, imposes sanctions, hears appeals, and ensures fairness.

33. Procedure for appealing a disciplinary decision.

Answer:
Submit written appeal within stated timeframe → HOD forwards with comments → Commission reviews and gives final decision.

34. Factors to consider before withholding promotion.

Answer:
Performance rating, pending disciplinary case, financial embarrassment, or failure of exams.

35. Steps for processing retirement benefits.

Answer:
Verification of service records → computation → submission to Pensions Board → audit → payment approval.

36. Define pensionable appointment.

Answer:
A permanent appointment eligible for pension. Non-pensionable appointments are temporary or contract jobs.

37. How is gratuity computed?

Answer:
Based on final salary, years of service, and approved percentage multiplier.

38. Requirement for medical certificates for sick leave beyond 3 days.

Answer:
Must be from a recognised hospital and submitted immediately.

39. Instances when annual leave may be deferred.

Answer:
Urgent work, emergencies in the department, or officer on essential service.

40. How leave may be encashed.

Answer:
Only when officially recalled from leave for essential duty and approved by HOS.

41. Authorities competent to confirm an officer.

Answer:
Head of Department (junior staff) and Public Service Commission (senior staff).

42. Information necessary on a transfer letter.

Answer:
New station, effective date, responsibilities, and reporting instructions.

43. Differentiate between posting and transfer.

Answer:
Posting is movement within same ministry. Transfer is movement to another ministry/agency.

44. Explain secondment + examples.

Answer:
Temporary movement to another organisation where salary is paid by receiving body.
Eg: secondment to a parastatal; secondment to an international body.

45. Approvals required for secondment.

Answer:
HOD recommendation, HOS endorsement, PSC approval.

46. Four types of transfer.

Answer:
Inter-departmental, inter-ministerial, inter-state, and transfer on request.

47. Meaning of advancement.

Answer:
Upgrade within same cadre due to additional qualifications or enhanced competence.

48. Evaluating merit for promotion.

Answer:
Performance appraisal, exam scores, attendance record, and discipline history.

49. Grounds for withholding promotion.

Answer:
Poor performance, pending disciplinary case, or exam failure.

50. Role of departmental promotion boards.

Answer:
Interview candidates, review records, recommend suitable officers, and document results.