The Oyo State government has trained 80 civil servants in basic computer operations and applications, in a renewed push to build a digitally competent public service and improve service delivery across its ministries, departments and agencies.

The three-week intensive programme, held at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre in Ibadan, focused on foundational digital skills, including computer operations, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and the use of government-related software tools. Participants were drawn from various cadres of the civil service to ensure that digital capacity is strengthened across the system, not just at the top levels.

Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to continuous capacity building and to preparing its workforce for a rapidly changing administrative environment. He explained that the training is part of a broader strategy to modernise government operations and reduce reliance on paper-based processes.

Head of Service Adenike Fasina, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Service, Office of the Head of Service, Muyiwa Olagoke, praised the management of the Simeon Adebo Centre for sustaining structured training programmes for public servants. She pledged that the state government would continue to support the centre to expand and deepen its offerings.

Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Saliu Adelabu, underscored the policy direction behind the initiative, noting that Oyo State is transitioning from conventional administration to a more digital and virtual system. He said the government is preparing to roll out Business Process Automation across its operations, making computer literacy indispensable for every civil servant.

Adelabu added that while many workers already have basic computer knowledge, the programme was tailored to provide practical, work-focused skills that align with public-sector governance, including data handling, electronic communication and digital record management.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Alhaji Alade Bello, urged participants to apply their new skills immediately in their offices, warning that unused knowledge quickly fades. Other senior officials, including representatives from the Teaching Service Commission, Civil Service Commission and the Agency for Youth Empowerment, stressed that digital competence now plays a key role in career progression and professional recognition.

Executive Secretary of the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Stella Okedum, encouraged the graduates to treat the course as a foundation for further learning rather than an endpoint. Speaking on behalf of the participants, Adeola Sulaimon and Damilare Adubi described the programme as transformative, saying it had boosted their confidence in handling digital tasks and strengthened their prospects within the service.