● Ferdy Agu
The successful completion of the Digital Skills Nigeria (DSN) Training 2.0 has marked a significant milestone in Enugu State’s journey toward modernizing governance. Powered by the Enugu SME Agency in collaboration with FCDO and Tech4Dev, the program underscores the state’s commitment to equipping its workforce with essential digital skills for effective service delivery. “This initiative reflects our administration’s dedication to building a digitally proficient civil service capable of driving innovation and economic growth,” said Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor on MSMEs and Digital Economy.
Over two intensive weeks, more than 1,000 civil servants from the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State participated in the transformative training. The hands-on program focused on practical applications of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other digital platforms. “The skills I gained here will not only enhance my efficiency but also inspire creativity in delivering public service,” remarked Chidinma Omeje, a participant from Nsukka LGA.
Globally, the gap in digital proficiency among civil servants is stark, with fewer than 5% possessing advanced skills compared to an industry benchmark of 8-12%. Recognizing this challenge, Governor Peter Mbah introduced a mandatory digital literacy certification as a prerequisite for yearly promotions within the Enugu State Civil Service. This policy ensures civil servants remain competitive and equipped to meet the challenges of modern governance.
The DSN Training 2.0, supported by global partners FCDO and Tech4Dev, reinforces Enugu State’s leadership in public sector transformation. “We are proud to be part of a program that sets a national benchmark for governance excellence,” noted a representative of Tech4Dev. “This collaboration demonstrates what is possible when innovation and capacity building meet.”
Beyond being a training initiative, the DSN Training 2.0 represents a broader movement aimed at empowering civil servants to deliver exceptional governance. “The vision is not just to teach skills but to build a workforce capable of implementing technology-driven solutions that impact citizens’ lives positively,” said Arinze Chilo-Offiah.
The success of the program would not have been possible without the dedication of the 15 expert tutors and the Enugu SME Agency team. “This program was a team effort, and the enthusiasm of the participants made our work even more rewarding,” said one of the lead trainers.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the newfound skills they gained, emphasizing the potential for improved efficiency and innovation in their respective offices. “This is the kind of training we’ve been waiting for – a chance to upgrade ourselves and become assets to our state,” noted another participant, Ikechukwu Ugwu.
The completion of DSN Training 2.0 highlights Enugu State’s forward-thinking approach to governance. Governor Mbah’s vision of embedding digital literacy into the civil service is a testament to his administration’s dedication to achieving tangible growth and economic progress. Digital skills are the backbone of efficient governance in the 21st century.
With a digitally skilled workforce, Enugu State is poised to lead Nigeria into a future defined by efficiency, innovation, and excellence in governance. “Tomorrow is here, and Enugu State is ready to seize it,” said Chilo-Offiah, emphasizing the transformative power of the DSN Training 2.0. GMTNewsng
