The Head of Civil Services of the Federation, Dr Folashade Omolara Yemi – Esan, CFR, has stated that for any government to change the trajectory of national development, such a government must work hand in hand with its academic institutions.
She said both sides must come together to build a great nation, adding that the nation can not develop without research into issues of governance by the ivory towers.
Dr Yemi – Esan spoke at her investiture and decoration as a UI@75 Ambassador in Abuja.
She lamented that the government and the academics are too far apart. She stated that since she assumed duties as the Head of Service, no Nigerian University had offered her advice on the management of the civil service.
She called for openness, which would help remove the lack of confidence in the system; change in perspectives, and a rearrangement of priorities.
Dr Yemi -Esan said she was happy to be designated a UI@75 Ambassador because it was a recognition of her worth by the institution that trained her.
The best graduating student of her set, recalled with nostalgia that UI had a good balance of academic and social life, and this balance made her who she is today.
She also recalled that her father graduated from UI and that nearly all her siblings too attended UI because their father believed that “UI was the only University in Nigeria, and if you wanted good education, then you must attend UI”.
Dr Yemi – Esan said memories of her days in UI usually brought a smile to her face because those days shaped her life.
She pledged to contribute to the Scholarship for Indigent Students; Research for National Development; as well as deliver the 2023 Convocation Lecture.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation seized the opportunity of the visit to speak about her 6 – pronged agenda for the revitalisation of the Federal Civil Service.
She said the exercise would be based on Capacity Building and Talent; Performance Management System; IPPIS/Human Resources; Innovation; Digitalisation of Content /Services; as well as Staff Welfare.
She said that the improved competences of staff would be enabled by leadership and coordination; culture change; leverage on technology; data and analytics; digital skills; conducive work environment; and effective communication, among other factors.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, had earlier stated that the Head of Service was being recognised for her noble character, a reflection of UI’s commitment to excellence in character and learning.
He also commended Dr Yemi – Esan for her notable contributions to UI and the society and her exemplary and impeccable leadership of the nation’s civil service.
Professor Adebowale noted that the services which Dr Yemi – Esan is rendering to her fatherland is a testament to her integrity, honesty, and commitment to excellence.
The investiture was witnessed by Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, PS Career Management Office; Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, mni, PS, Common Service Office; Dr Olufemi Oloruntola, PS Service Policies and Strategic Office; Engr Yusuf Yabo Faruk, PS Special Duties Office; Mr Mahmud Adam Kambari, PS Service Welfare Office; and Mr Samuel Ayeni, Director, Finance and Accounts. All of them were from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. Others were Dr T. A. B. Sanusi, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; and Mr Ibrahim Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the Federal Staff Housing Loans Board.
On the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage were the Registrar, Mr Ganiyu O. Saliu; the Bursar, Mr Adewuyi Popoola; the Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, Professor Peter O. Olapegba; Director Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, Professor Ibrahim Oladosu, Director UI Publishing House, Mr Mohammed O. Oladejo, the PAR/PRO, Mrs Adejoke Akinpelu; the Principal Protocol Officer, Mr Kayode Jolayemi; and the University Photographer, Mr Adeniyi S Adebayo.
