The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack, on Thursday 24 October 2024, stated that partnership between the civil service, political leadership, and academia creates synergies that enhance governance.

“Political leaders define national goals, civil servants implement these goals with technical expertise while the academia provides innovative ideas and research-based solutions,” Mrs. Walson-Jack said.

The intersection of these three pillars, according to Mrs. Walson-Jack, creates opportunities for synergy, allowing for more effective, responsive, inclusive, and sustainable governance.

Mrs. Walson-Jack made these statements in the second of the UI@75 lecture series delivered on her behalf by the Head of Service of Oyo State, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

The lecture was titled “Governance in Partnership: The Essential Collaboration between Civil Service, Political Leadership and Academia.”

Mrs. Walson-Jack explained that the fragmentation of these sectors has caused many obstacles to our national development, adding that it was crucial to recognise that the success of any government hinges on the effective cooperation and integration of these three pillars.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation affirmed that collaboration among these stakeholders leads to better governance outcomes that would benefit society because together they form a governance ecosystem that can drive sustainable development.

She, therefore, recommended the development of a shared vision for national development that aligns with the goals of the civil service, political leadership, and the academia.

She suggested the institutionalisation of platforms for dialogue to enhance governance partnerships and the fostering of a culture of innovation and openness to new ideas within the civil service and political spheres.

The HoCSF also called for the strengthening of ethical standards and transparency mechanisms to uphold integrity in governance practices and the establishment of clear frameworks and communication channels to align short-term political priorities with long-term policy objectives and academic research cycles.

Mrs Walson-Jack advocated increased funding and resource allocation for research, training, and policy implementation.

She thanked the management of the University of Ibadan for creating the forum. She said since the establishment of the University of Ibadan in 1948, it has blazed the trail toward its vision of becoming a world-class university in knowledge creation and dissemination.

She stated that over time, UI has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, positioning itself as one of the best universities in the country and the world.

She said the rich history, distinguished alumni, and cutting-edge contributions to academia and society have cemented the University’s place as a leading educational institution.

Mrs. Walson-Jack said the choice of the topic was both apt and commendable, as it highlighted the crucial role of effective governance in achieving efficient and successful democratic institutions, the inevitable role that higher education plays in the national development trajectory, and the essential partnerships in governance that foster collaboration towards ensuring inclusive and sustainable national development.

In his welcome address at the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, acknowledged that UI Personality lectures uphold contribution to the transformation of society through creativity and innovation.

According to him, ’75’ is a milestone in the life of any man or an institution as UI sustains its place of pride as the first and foremost University in Nigeria.

Professor Adebowale commended Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack for her unwavering dedication and good leadership in ensuring effective implementation of government policies in the Civil Service of the Federation.

He said the personality lecture was germane for institutional collaboration, policy formulation and implementation; research and development; capacity building and training; and knowledge sharing.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that collaboration between the civil service, political leadership and academia will drive positive change and improve governance outcomes.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, Professor Peter Olapegba stated that the University is very delighted to host a seasoned public servant and dynamic administrator, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation as the main speaker.

He said Mrs. Walson-Jack is a public servant of untiring commitment and loyalty with a profound track record of value, sound work ethics and character which have proven her worth and pedigree as an astute public servant in the Federal Civil Service.

Credit – Directorate of Public Communication, UI