The highest grade in the Civil Service is known as the ............

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which cadre (class or group of posts) occupies the highest grade in the Nigerian Civil Service.

Step 2: Explain the concept The Nigerian Civil Service is organised into cadres, which group officers by the nature of their duties and qualifications:

• Administrative cadre: the topmost class. It includes the Permanent Secretary, Director, Deputy Director, and Assistant Director. These officers advise ministers, help formulate policy, and supervise the running of ministries. Entry is usually by a university degree or equivalent.
• Executive cadre: the middle class. It implements the policies made by the administrative class and supervises day-to-day work. Entry is usually by HND, OND, or a similar qualification.
• Technical/Professional cadre: made up of specialists such as engineers, doctors, architects, and surveyors. They give expert advice in their fields.
• Clerical cadre: the lower class. It handles routine office work such as typing, filing, and record keeping. Entry is usually by SSCE.
• Auxiliary/Messengerial staff: the lowest class, such as messengers and cleaners.

Step 3: Solution Policy making and top-level administration sit with the Administrative cadre, headed by the Permanent Secretary, who is the highest-ranking civil servant in a ministry. So the highest grade is the Administrative cadre.

• A. Technical cadre: specialists, not the highest grade.
• B. Executive cadre: implements policy, so it ranks below the administrative cadre.
• C. Clerical cadre: routine office work, a lower grade.
• D. Administrative cadre: the highest grade. ✔

Answer: D. Administrative cadre

Exam tip: Remember the order from top to bottom with A-E-C-M: Administrative → Executive → Clerical → Messengerial. Technical or professional officers are specialists who sit alongside this structure. Whenever you see "highest grade" or "policy advice" in a civil service question, think Administrative and the Permanent Secretary.