The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting integrity, accountability, and disciplined leadership across all departments. He made this known during a High-Level Management Meeting held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
In his address, Mr. Enitan urged Directors and Heads of Departments to lead by example, emphasizing that true leadership in public service is reflected in one’s conduct, compassion, and sense of responsibility. He described leadership by example as the foundation of a disciplined and efficient civil service, adding that “what you do, they watch; what you don’t do, they notice.”
The Permanent Secretary stressed that officers must strictly adhere to established administrative procedures, particularly regarding movement and official authorization. He warned that unauthorized travel or assignments would attract serious personal and professional consequences. “If you are going out of station, nobody will stop you; just write and obtain authorization,” he cautioned.
Speaking on welfare, Mr. Enitan commended departments that have sustained initiatives to support staff during personal milestones and emergencies, noting that such acts foster a sense of belonging and motivate personnel to give their best. He encouraged Directors to sustain these gestures, describing staff welfare as “the heartbeat of a healthy and productive public service.”
He further advised that regular departmental meetings are essential for improving communication and building trust among staff. According to him, such engagements enable leaders to stay connected to their teams and identify practical solutions to workplace challenges. “When you meet with your staff regularly, you hear things that will help you as a person,” he stated. “They see you at close range, they can feel your leadership, and that makes a lasting difference.”
Mr. Enitan also reiterated the importance of strategic planning and clarity of purpose in achieving results. He urged every department to operate with a defined work plan, emphasizing that clear implementation timelines are essential for consistency, coordination, and accountability. “When you don’t know when your programme will start or end, there will be no consistency or coordination,” he noted.
Reiterating his call for disciplined leadership, Mr. Enitan reminded Directors that accountability begins with them. He underscored that the attitudes and work ethics of senior officers directly influence the performance and motivation of younger staff. “Discipline and accountability start at the top; if leaders model the right behavior, others will follow,” he said.
In conclusion, the Permanent Secretary expressed confidence in the capacity of the Ministry’s management team to drive ongoing reforms and deliver effectively on its mandate. He urged all Directors to see themselves as custodians of public trust and to continue upholding the values that define the Federal Ministry of Education; integrity, teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.
Signed
Folasade Boriowo
Director, Press and Public Relations
