By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
THE Oyo State Government has trained 80 civil servants who successfully completed a three-week intensive training programme in Basic Computer Operation and Application, designed to strengthen digital skills, improve workplace efficiency, and enhance service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
The training was organised by the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Ibadan, as part of the state government’s commitment to continuous capacity building and the development of a digitally competent civil service.
Declaring the training closed at the Centre, the Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, commended the management for its dedication to continuous capacity building and human resource development within the state civil service.
The Head of Service, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Service, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Muyiwa Olagoke, assured the Centre of the state government’s continued moral and financial support to boost its operations and enhance training programmes.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Professor Saliu Adelabu, stated that the state government is transitioning from conventional administration to a digital and virtual system.
According to him, the government will soon commence Business Process Automation across its operations, stressing that computer literacy has become essential to effective public sector administration.
“The State Government is migrating from conventional administration to a virtual system; everything will soon be online. We are coming with Business Process Automation. Through our Management Information System Centre, we are encouraging more computer training, starting with beginners, but soon, all Oyo State workers will become experts,” Adelabu said.
He explained that although most civil servants are already computer literate, the training was specifically designed to equip participants with practical digital skills relevant to public sector governance.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Alhaji Alade Bello, urged participants to continuously practise the skills acquired during the programme and apply them effectively in their respective MDAs.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Abimbola Serifat Bukola; Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Christianah Abidemi Adejumo; and Executive Secretary, Agency for Youth Empowerment, Alhaja Mustapha Kudirat Oyebisi, emphasised the importance of computer literacy in the daily activities of civil and public servants.
They encouraged the graduates to continually develop their digital competencies to achieve mastery, noting that such skills will enhance their career prospects, professional recognition, and advancement.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Mrs. Stella Okedum, charged the graduates to build on the foundational knowledge gained during the training and translate their learning into practical improvements in their workplaces.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mrs. Adeola Sulaimon and Mr. Damilare Adubi described the training as a laudable initiative that has significantly improved their knowledge and practical computer skills.
They expressed appreciation to the state government and the management of the Staff Development Centre, adding that the certificates presented to them will provide an added advantage in their future career pursuits.
