Abuja: The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has trained 438 civil servants from different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on digital transformation. The one-day training, held in partnership with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), focused on the theme: ‘Enabling Digital Government Transformation: Leadership, Training and Citizen-Centric Systems.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, William Scheffers, a Director at TG Consulting, emphasized the necessity of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for government officials. Scheffers highlighted that without ICT skills, governments risk falling behind in delivering efficient and secure services. He noted that governments face pressure to digitize services and improve citizen experience, with ICT training ensuring that staff can operate, maintain, and innovate with new systems. He warned that skills gaps could lead to inefficiencies, data risks, and wasted investments in IT, while trained officials are more adaptable in responding to new policy and citizen needs.
Scheffers outlined the challenges in ICT training within government, stating that lower digital skills and resistance to change undermine ICT upskilling. He pointed out that cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud adoption will play crucial roles in shaping ICT training for civil servants. Rising cyber threats make cybersecurity training essential, and cloud adoption requires new competencies in security, architecture, and operations. Additionally, data analytics and AI literacy are increasingly demanded in policy design and execution, with a shift towards microlearning, online platforms, and hybrid delivery.
Earlier, Myeongseok Song, Deputy Director of Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS), explained that the training focused on introducing Korea and its government while sharing knowledge, innovation, and achievements. He highlighted Korea’s strategy for citizens, enterprises, and governments to collaboratively solve issues and create new value through a digital platform connecting all data. Song expressed the aim to foster advanced perspectives and ideas for government through discussions on digital, government, and advanced AI.
One of the training beneficiaries, Adetokunbo Adebola, Head of Data Strategy and Research for the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, described the training as appropriate and timely for civil servants in the country. Adebola commended Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, for his efforts and initiatives to enhance citizen support in ICT.