An Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) established by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) is set to train 5,000 public service workers on digital literacy and skills.
The team was inaugurated in Abuja by Mr Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General of BPSR, on behalf of Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The purpose of the training is to address the growing gap in digital literacy among public service workers.
Mr Arabi emphasized the importance of digital literacy proficiency in the 21st century public service regime, stating that all federal workers should be knowledgeable about digital service development, security, and innovation.
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Participants to be selected from 794 MDAs
According to Arabi, the 5,000 civil servants will be selected from 794 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and will undergo Learning, Practice Tests, and Certification in up to four competency areas.
These areas include ICT Digital Literacy, Communication Skills for Business, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, as well as Career Specific certifications.
Arabi stated that the IMTT, comprising individuals from both the private and public sectors, will collaborate with the BPSR to drive the implementation process. The team aims to realize the vision of a modern public service in Nigeria, where digital literacy is prevalent, enabling employees to tackle the challenges of work, life, and progression in the coming decades.
Reasons behind the initiative
Arabi explained that the initiative seeks to enhance the digital skills of public servants, thereby facilitating the modernization of governance efforts. It also aims to align the Nigerian Public Service workforce with the standards of a 21st-century public service regime. This alignment will empower them to sustain the necessary cultural transformation required for effective operation in the digital era.
Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, President of the Digital Bridge Institute, praised the government’s initiatives aimed at ensuring the efficient delivery of services.
According to Prof. Ajiya, the introduction of the IMTT (Integrated Management and Training Tool) showcases the foresight and proactive approach of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in addressing the existing digital skills gap among public servants in Nigeria.
Given the heavy reliance on ICT tools and platforms in today’s world, improving the digital skills and competence of public servants has become crucial.
As government operations and processes have a significant impact on all sectors of the nation, enhancing the digital competence and capacity of public service officers would simplify government operations, eliminate obstacles, and provide valuable services to both the public and private sectors.
Mr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, also expressed his belief that digital skills would enhance the delivery of public services. He added that it would empower public servants and contribute to increased transparency in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Why training public servants in digital skills is necessary
Training public servants on digital skills is necessary for Efficiency and effectiveness.
In today’s digital age, many government processes and operations rely heavily on information and communication technology (ICT) tools and platforms. By equipping public servants with digital skills, they can navigate these technologies more efficiently and effectively, resulting in streamlined workflows, faster service delivery, and improved overall productivity.
Also, digital skills enable public servants to provide better services to the public. With the ability to leverage digital tools and platforms, they can enhance the accessibility, convenience, and quality of services offered to citizens. This includes online portals for accessing government information, digital transactions, e-governance initiatives, and improved communication channels.
Digital skills also empower public servants to embrace innovation and adapt to changing technological landscapes. They can stay updated with emerging trends, leverage new digital solutions, and adopt efficient practices that enhance their work processes. This helps governments to keep pace with advancements and leverage technology to address societal challenges effectively.
In this digital era, data plays a crucial role in decision-making and policy formulation. Public servants trained in digital skills can effectively collect, manage, and analyze data to derive valuable insights. This data-driven approach allows for evidence-based decision-making, better policy outcomes, and more targeted service delivery to meet the needs of the public.
Digital skills, most importantly facilitate transparency and accountability in government operations. Public servants equipped with digital skills can manage and share information more transparently, ensuring that processes are documented, accessible, and traceable. This helps foster public trust, reduces corruption risks, and enables effective monitoring and evaluation of government activities.
Training public servants on digital skills is vital to ensure that they can adapt to the digital age, provide efficient services, leverage technology for innovation, and uphold transparency and accountability in government operations. It ultimately contributes to better governance, improved public service delivery, and enhanced citizen satisfaction.
