FG urges development of smarter, future-ready public servants
By Uji A.Iliyssu, Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called on the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) to produce a new generation of public servants who are adaptable, innovative, and capable of meeting the rapidly evolving demands of modern governance.
Echono made the call in Abuja while receiving a delegation from PSIN led by its Administrator and Chief Executive, Barr. Imeh Okon, who paid a courtesy visit to the TETFund headquarters on Wednesday.
He noted that the public service has been struggling to transition from routine administration to proactive governance, lamenting that this shortfall often fuels doubts about its ability to meet societal needs.
“In today’s fast-paced and disruptive environment, the public service must move beyond routine to become an instrument for facilitating the rapid development of our economy and society,” he said.
The TETFund boss emphasized the need for continuous professional development, stressing that institutions like PSIN must help build a core of officers equipped to handle disruptions and deliver high-quality service.
“At TETFund, we have invested heavily in our people. The result is a vibrant, highly qualified workforce that generates innovative ideas, conducts critical analysis, and ensures informed decision-making,” he added.
Echono also highlighted ongoing collaborations with agencies such as PSIN and JAMB to modernize administrative processes, including the adoption of real-time, paperless promotion examinations to promote efficiency and transparency.
Responding to PSIN’s proposals for expanded collaboration, Echono expressed interest in continuous development programmes, compliance training, and pre-retirement workshops for TETFund staff. He noted that many public servants face challenges after retirement due to poor preparation, stressing the importance of early planning.
He assured the visiting team of TETFund’s readiness to deepen partnerships aimed at rebuilding competence, professionalism, and responsiveness within the civil service.
In her remarks, PSIN’s Administrator, Barr. Imeh Okon, said the visit was part of her familiarization tour following her assumption of office on September 1, 2025. She expressed the Institute’s desire to rekindle and strengthen its collaboration with TETFund.
“We want PSIN to be your first port of call for capacity building,” she said, introducing new initiatives such as SMART-P, LEAD-P, and induction programmes designed to promote professionalism and leadership within the public service.
According to her, SMART-P equips staff with essential service delivery skills, LEAD-P prepares emerging leaders for top roles, while the induction programme helps new entrants align with public service values and expectations from the onset.
Okon also proposed strengthening pre-retirement training through PSIN’s “Exit Masterclass,” which helps officers plan at least five years before retirement to ensure smooth reintegration into post-service life.
She further disclosed plans to link universities more closely with the public service, ensuring that academic research informs policymaking for proactive, evidence-based governance.
“Policy should be futuristic, not reactive,” she noted, while proposing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize PSIN’s renewed partnership with TETFund.