In order to further boost the training and retraining of civil servants in Rivers State, the governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has approved the construction of a public service institute in the state.
The Head of Service Mrs. Esther Anucha dropped the hint at the graduation ceremony of Executive Officers in the state public service by the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori at the Ministry of Justice Rivers State, on Friday, April 20, 2012.
In an address presented at the event, Mrs. Anucha stated that the importance of continuous education in the civil service could not be down played.
She pointed out that as education is the bedrock of any society which strives for economic development, it is obvious that such policies and programmes to enhance its success will be vigorously pursuit.
The Head of Service noted that the civil service rules make it impossible for certain persons employed with WASC, SSCE, G4 and First School Leaving Certificate to be promoted beyond certain level unless the person acquired higher educational qualifications.
The Head of Service said based on the limitation which has stagnated some on one grade for the past 10 years, she decided to liaise with the Ministry of Establishment and Training Bureau under her, to change the status quo as she assumed office some years ago, which will remove the negative efforts of stagnation on productivity in the civil service in Rivers State.
According to her, the approved of the programme will enhance their promotion and productivity on the job. The programme is divided into batches due to lack of space. It graduated 280 persons last year and they were promoted after a promotional interview by the civil service commission.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, Sir Obianko Nwolu Elechi, said the programme was designed to fill the gap between the last qualifications of the civil servants’ present position and where they want to be after the educational studies.
Sir. Nwolu-Elechi maintained that the purpose was to increase the skill which would automatically increase the output of the individual.
He said on their working environment, the civil servants could not get the full time to study, but by undertaking the education they would certainly improve on their skill and education.
The Rector stated that the programme has afforded the civil servants enough idea, knowledge and skill to perform creditably at their various workplaces, which is an added advantage to service delivery.
The Rector commenced the Head of Service and the students noting that the programme today was another milestone in the history of civil servants in the state.
Briefing journalists after the event, the Director, Industrial Service Center, Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, Mr. Ibinabo Thomas, described the programme as successful. He said since the educational advancement of the workers were vital, they were always allowed to start lectures at noon each day.
Mr. Ibinabo explained that the programme was powered by the Ministry of Establishment and that those who attended the programme were set to bring more productivity, as they have acquired more skills by the quality of education they have so received.
The Public Service Institute would be established in Chokocho community in Etche local government area. When completed, the institute would provide a conducive atmosphere for capacity building, with state of the art equipment, modern facilities and residential accommodation, to better the lot of civil servant in the state so that they could bring maximum benefit to the workforce. ###
Pius Dukor
