Rethinking Public Service Training Essential for Reform

On Wednesday, during a visit to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) in Abuja, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), highlighted the critical need to rethink training for public servants as part of broader public service reform.

He stressed that proper training is essential to prepare the sector for the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions. Olaopa noted that reprofessionalizing public service through training is vital for career progression and performance.

He advocated for expanding criteria for promotions to include training and emphasized the importance of aligning skills with global benchmarks. He also discussed the necessity for civil service leaders to interact effectively with management and underscored the role of PSIN in developing government workers.

Olaopa cautioned against duplicating functions between institutions and supported elevating PSIN's status to enhance bureaucratic skills. He called for a curriculum that reflects real-world applications and the need for ongoing assessments of training programs to ensure they meet the demands of the evolving workforce.