Eighty civil servants in Oyo State have completed a three-week intensive training programme on basic computer operations and applications, as the state government steps up efforts to strengthen digital competence and improve efficiency within the public service.
The programme was organised by the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre in Ibadan and was designed to equip participants with practical computer skills that can be applied to their official duties across ministries, departments and agencies.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed the development in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, explaining that the initiative formed part of the government’s commitment to continuous capacity building and the development of a digitally competent workforce.
According to him, the training was intended to strengthen the participants’ digital skills, improve workplace efficiency and enhance service delivery throughout the state’s public sector.
At the closing ceremony, the Oyo State Head of Service, Adenike Fasina, commended the management of the Staff Development Centre for its efforts towards continuous staff development and human resource improvement in the civil service.
Fasina, 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 strengthen its operations and improve its training programmes.
Speaking on the broader importance of the initiative, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Saliu Adelabu, said Oyo State was moving from conventional administrative processes towards a digital and virtual system.
He disclosed that the government would soon begin Business Process Automation across its operations, stressing that computer literacy had become increasingly important for effective public-sector administration.
Adelabu said the state’s Management Information System Centre was encouraging more computer training, beginning with basic skills, with the long-term objective of ensuring that workers across Oyo State develop advanced digital competence.
Although many civil servants already have some level of computer literacy, he explained that the programme was specifically structured to provide participants with practical digital skills relevant to public-sector governance.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Alhaji Alade Bello, urged the participants to continue practising the skills acquired during the training and apply them effectively in their respective ministries, departments and agencies.
Also speaking, 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 continue improving their digital capabilities, noting that stronger computer skills could contribute to career development, 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 acquired during the programme and turn the lessons learnt into practical improvements in their respective workplaces.
Speaking on behalf of the other graduates, Mrs Adeola Sulaimon and Mr Damilare Adubi described the training as a valuable initiative that had improved their knowledge and practical computer skills.
They expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government and the management of the Staff Development Centre, adding that the certificates presented to them would provide an added advantage in their future career pursuits.
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