……Outgoing Permanent Secretary Charges Directors on Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork and Prudent Management of Public Resources.
The Federal Ministry of Education has formally bid farewell to its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, following his appointment as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, marked the end of his 17-month tenure and the beginning of a new chapter in his distinguished public service career.
At a handover ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Enitan expressed profound gratitude to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa CON and Honourable Minister of State for Education Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad as for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure at the Ministry as memorable, fulfilling and transformative.
Reflecting on his stewardship, the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation commended the Directors and staff of the Ministry for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to implementing government policies, programmes and projects aimed at advancing education and national human capital development. He described the Ministry’s workforce as a highly committed team, stressing that education remains the compass for navigating the complex landscape of human endeavour and the foundation upon which; national development is built.
Mr. Enitan noted with pride the Ministry’s recent recognition at the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Awards, where it won three awards in five categories. He urged management and staff to build on the achievement by continually raising the bar of excellence in service delivery.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary charged Directors and other senior officers to uphold the highest standards of public service integrity, accountability and professionalism, while working as one united Ministry to deliver on the objectives of the Federal Government. He particularly urged them to adopt data-driven and evidence-based decision-making in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes.
He also emphasised the need for prudent management of public resources, stressing that every government intervention must demonstrate value for money and fitness for purpose. He called on senior officers to lead by example, mentoring younger colleagues and deliberately building their capacity, noting that the future leadership of the Public Service is shaped by the conduct, discipline and example of today’s leaders.
Mr. Enitan further encouraged officers to embrace lifelong learning through reading, research, self-development and continuous improvement, warning against complacency and mediocrity. He urged staff to remain punctual, focused and committed to delivering measurable results for Nigerians.
Addressing concerns around staff welfare, promotions, career progression and development, Mr. Enitan assured the workforce that his new national responsibility would not sever his relationship with the education sector. He pledged to use the vantage position of his new office to support the Ministry and contribute to addressing challenges affecting its workforce and the wider education sector.
He said he would remain accessible and supportive, assuring the Ministry that although he would no longer be physically present, its affairs and progress would remain of interest to him.
As part of the transition, Mr. Enitan formally handed over the Ministry’s operational documents and handover notes to the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Folake Olatunji-David, who will oversee the Office of the Permanent Secretary in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.
In her acceptance remarks, Dr. Olatunji-David expressed humility and gratitude for the responsibility, appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing Mr. Enitan as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and thanking the Honourable Minister of Education for the confidence reposed in her.
She commended Mr. Enitan for his visionary leadership, dedication, guidance and the strong institutional foundation he established during his tenure, assuring that the Ministry would sustain the gains recorded through continuity, collaboration, teamwork and effective service delivery.
Dr. Olatunji-David called on Directors and staff to remain united, professional and responsive, stressing that Nigerians were looking up to the Ministry and that all officers must work collectively to deliver on the Federal Government’s education agenda.
Earlier, the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Nkiru Nneji, paid tribute to Mr. Enitan, describing him as a committed and professional Permanent Secretary whose leadership combined discipline, compassion and a strong commitment to public service values.
She commended his positive influence on Directors and staff, as well as the invaluable guidance and lessons he imparted during his tenure, while wishing him divine guidance and success in his new national assignment.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment by the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Education to sustain the values of integrity, accountability, excellence, teamwork and dedicated service established.
As Mr. Enitan assumes office as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Education congratulates him on his elevation and looks forward to his continued support for the education sector from his new national responsibility.
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
