Civil service reforms target corruption, inefficiency – HoS

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan, has disclosed that the Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, incorruptible and citizen-centred.

He disclosed this during the valedictory ceremony organised to mark the successful completion of the tenure of Prof Kayode Adebowale as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State. The ceremony was held at the Trenchard Hall of the institution in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday.

Enitan, who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended the UI 13th VC, Prof Adebowale, for preserving “UI’s proud heritage while building a resilient and responsive institution equipped to meet emerging challenges,” and said the Federal Civil Service was undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.

The valedictory ceremony, themed “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service,” was a convergence of the town and gown, union leaders, religious actors, leadership of security agents and community leaders, as well as other critical stakeholders in the UI project.

In his speech, the Head of Service of the Federation, Enitan, stated that Adebowale’s “leadership aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which positions Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy.

“The Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred.

“In appreciation of the foregoing and in the wider context of ensuring effective implementation of government policies to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, the FCS is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, in tandem with Mr President’s reform agenda.

“This will be pursued more vigorously under my watch as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and rest assured, the university system will be greatly impacted by the positive outcomes of this commendable disposition.”

In his valedictory speech, the UI 13th VC, Prof Adebowale, who stated that, “any organisation that does care for its people cannot fulfil its mission,” added that his administration was leaving behind a strong but not perfect institution.

He said, “There is still so much to be done at the UI,” emphasising how funding remains important to building a world-class institution with excellent infrastructure.

“Leadership is a burden. Every decision carries the weight of lives and destinies. I have led by listening to the community and through consultations. I have insisted on due process, defended autonomy, and governed with integrity. UI continues to attract the brightest students and scholars of repute. We have ensured that our research serves the needs of the country through partnerships with government agencies.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Adefemi Afolabi, who was represented by his Vice-Chairman, Dr Tayo Ajibade, stated that the 13th VC pursued a friendly disposition towards the welfare of its members, while tasking the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Prof Peter Olapegba, who himself was a past ASUU executive in the university, to prioritise the welfare of its members.