The Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) has strengthened the leadership capacity and preparedness of Directors aspiring to the position of Permanent Secretary in the Zamfara State Civil Service through a six-day refresher training and examination programme held in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The programme, which ran from 15th to 20th September 2026, was designed to enhance the participants’ knowledge, leadership competencies and understanding of the principles, policies and contemporary practices required for effective administration and decision-making at the Permanent Secretary level.
The training covered critical areas of public service administration, including the Public Service Rules, leadership and administration, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as other emerging issues and competencies relevant to modern public sector management.
The programme further provided the participating Directors with the opportunity to interact with experienced facilitators and resource persons, who provided practical insights into contemporary challenges in public administration and the competencies required to effectively discharge the responsibilities of senior leadership positions in the public service.
Addressing the participants, the Head of Service, Zamfara State Government, Mallam Shehu Baraya, FCNA, emphasised the importance of continuous capacity development for senior public servants, while Permanent Secretaries and other senior officials of the Zamfara State Government also participated in the programme. The Administrator/CEO of PSIN, Barr. Imeh Okon, was represented by the Assistant Director, Studies and Learning, Dr. Ibrahim Ishaq, who delivered the opening remarks on her behalf and presented certificates and PSIN souvenirs to participants.
The programme culminated in an examination for the participating Directors, constituting an important component of the assessment process for officers aspiring to the position of Permanent Secretary. The exercise reinforces PSIN’s mandate to build a professional, competent and future-ready public service by equipping senior officers with the knowledge, skills and leadership capacity required to contribute effectively to public sector administration and institutional development.
Alheri Davo, mnipr
Head, Information and Public Relations
20th September, 2026
