Prof. Olaopa Emphasized The Need For Professionalism in Civil Service Reform Efforts

Professor Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), recently emphasized the importance of professionalism in the Nigerian civil service while meeting with newly elected Vice President of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM), Mr. Phillips Dada.

In his remarks, Prof. Olaopa highlighted the diminishing status of the civil service and stressed the need to re-professionalise public administration practice in Nigeria.

He pointed out that the core of administrative reform has been to strengthen the role of the gatekeepers of the profession.

Despite the many challenges facing the Nigerian civil service, Prof. Olaopa insisted that professionals in the sector cannot afford to leave its redemption efforts to chance.

He cited administrative icons such as Simeon Adebos, Udojis, Abdul-Aziz Attah, Ayide, Asiodu, and Ahmed Joda as mentors who have worked to reverse the diminishing status of the civil service.

Prof. Olaopa also emphasized the need for professional gatekeepers to ensure that the ideals and objectives of the profession are always kept under constant vigilance.

He stated that a profession without such gatekeepers has only created free entry routes for charlatans, impostors, and opportunists, and can hardly gain respect, prestige, and prominence it deserves.

During the meeting, Mr. Dada expressed his desire to partner with the FCSC to promote public administration and management in Nigeria.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s role on the African stage and the high esteem in which it is held. Mr. Dada also emphasized the need to resuscitate AAPAM and work in tandem with the Head of Service to revive it.