The class that controls and supervises the activities of the executive class in the civil service is?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which class in the Nigerian civil service controls and supervises the executive class.

Step 2: Explain the concept The Nigerian civil service is organized into classes (cadres) arranged in a hierarchy:

1. Administrative class (top): Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors. They advise ministers, formulate and implement policy, and supervise the lower classes.
2. Professional class: Specialists such as engineers, doctors, lawyers, and accountants who give technical advice in their fields.
3. Executive class (middle): Implement policies and supervise the day-to-day running of offices. They are directly supervised by the administrative class.
4. Clerical class: Handle routine office work such as filing, typing, and record keeping.
5. Manipulative (sub-clerical) class: Messengers, drivers, cleaners, and other support staff.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Clerical class: This is below the executive class, so it cannot supervise it.
• B. Manipulative class: This is the lowest level, so it is not correct.
• C. Professional class: This gives technical and specialist advice. It does not oversee the executive class's general administrative work.
• D. Administrative class: This is the top policy-making and supervisory cadre, which controls and supervises the executive class. ✔

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. administrative class.

Tip: Remember the order from top to bottom with "All People Eat Corn Meal": Administrative, Professional, Executive, Clerical, Manipulative. Any class higher up supervises the ones below it, and the administrative class sits at the top.