Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service is undergoing reforms to improve efficiency, productivity and citizen focus, Head of Service of the Federation Olumuyiwa Enitan said, adding that he expects the university system to benefit.
Enitan said the changes are intended to make the service more productive and efficient, more resistant to corruption and more attentive to citizens. He connected the effort to the government’s work to carry out policies designed to improve living conditions. Enitan said he would give the reforms greater momentum while leading the service.
BusinessDay reported Nov. 2 that Enitan made the remarks as chairman of a valedictory ceremony at the University of Ibadan over the weekend. The event, held at Trenchard Hall, was themed “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service” and marked Kayode Adebowale’s completion of his tenure as the university’s 13th vice chancellor. Peter Olapegba is due to become its 14th vice chancellor, the outlet reported.
In his farewell address, Adebowale said the university had more work ahead and needed funding to build a world-class institution with excellent infrastructure. He described it as a strong institution, while acknowledging it was not perfect. Adebowale said his administration had sought input from the university community, followed due process and defended the institution’s autonomy.
He also said the university’s research had been connected to national needs through partnerships with government agencies. Enitan credited Adebowale with preserving the university’s heritage while preparing it to respond to newer challenges, BusinessDay reported. He associated Adebowale’s leadership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stated push for stronger institutions and a knowledge-driven economy.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities’ University of Ibadan branch also addressed the transition, BusinessDay reported. Its chairman, Adefemi Afolabi, was represented by Vice Chairman Tayo Ajibade. Afolabi praised Adebowale’s attention to staff welfare and urged Olapegba to make employee welfare a priority. BusinessDay identified Olapegba as a professor and former executive member of the union at the university.
