Renowned educationist and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebulola, has called upon the federal government to spearhead programs aimed at equipping Nigerian civil servants with the essential skills required for the 21st century.
Speaking as the guest lecturer at the 2024 civil service week celebration in Abuja, Prof. Okebulola stressed the importance of digital literacy, teamwork, media literacy, curiosity, and a range of other skills in preparing civil servants for the evolving landscape of the modern era.
During his thought-provoking lecture, Prof. Okebulola emphasized the significance of problem-solving, curiosity, teamwork, perseverance, and the ability to collaborate with others as key skills necessary for the success of civil servants.
He advocated for comprehensive programs to be implemented within the federal civil service and other sectors, focusing on problem-solving, teamwork, digital literacy, media literacy, environmental literacy, and other pertinent areas.
By empowering civil servants with these competencies, they will be better equipped to excel in their roles and contribute effectively to the nation’s development. This recommendation serves as a cornerstone for the transformation of the civil service in the digital age.
Drawing attention to a study that identified gaps in service delivery, efficiency, and the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) within the civil service, Prof. Okebulola stressed the need for training and equipping civil servants to enhance their performance.
By providing the necessary training and tools and preparing them for digital literacy by 2025, civil servants will be able to meet the challenges of the future head-on.
Looking towards the year 2050, Prof. Okebulola underscored the importance of strategic planning to ensure that the civil service fulfills its mandate effectively. During the lecture, various potential scenarios for Nigeria’s future and the role of the civil service within it were explored.
Education emerged as a crucial factor in equipping civil servants, who act as the driving force behind the nation’s development. Prof. Okebulola emphasized the need to prioritize the education and training of civil servants, enabling them to cultivate the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As Nigeria progresses towards 2050, it is imperative to embrace the digital age and equip civil servants with the necessary skills and values to propel the nation forward.
By investing in education and implementing comprehensive training programs focused on digital literacy, teamwork, problem-solving, and other essential skills, Nigeria can forge a civil service that is well-prepared to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.
