Local Government Administration

The centralization of governmental services has proven to be a burden to both the government and its citizens who have to cover hundreds of kilometres to meet a government service. Centralization guarantees a wide distance between the administration and the people ensuring a huge bureaucracy which serves as a barrier between the governed and the government. Local Administration serves as a remedy to centralization as the administration is closer to the people and accessibility guaranteed. Most societies today are opting for decentralized services including Cameroon with about 360 local council areas and administration. These local councils and governments depend on skilled staff in the domain of local government administration and management.

Studies and Duration

The training is designed to cover issues of local governance, public finance, local government finance, law, administration, management etc. It runs for two academic years and opened to holders of the GCE Advanced Level in at least two subjects excluding Religious Studies. It is a full package of theory and practical sessions including a supervised internship. At the end of studies each student defends an end of course project and takes the mandatory national exam as requirements for the award of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Local Government Management; option – Accounting and Finance.

Employment Opportunities

They are basically employed by local councils, city councils and regional councils. They can also be employed by the Ministry of Local Development and Decentralisation and the Ministry of Territorial Administration. They can also serve in NGOs and local development organisations. Members of the public already serving in these institutions and in need of more professional knowledge are also employed. Some are also employed in the cabinet of Members of Parliament who now serve as agents of decentralization.

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