In a compelling call to action, Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), has emphasised the critical need to attract the nation's finest minds to public service roles. With over two decades of experience within the Lagos State government, Adio-Moses believes that innovative ideas and top-tier talent are essential for effective governance and achieving the state's ambitious goals.
Transforming PSSDC into a Global Centre of Excellence
Appointed as DG on January 4, 2023, Adio-Moses outlined his mandate from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu: to evolve the PSSDC into a citadel of learning and research. The centre, which marked its 30th anniversary in 2024, aims to become a world-class institution that reflects Lagos State's global standing.
His vision is for PSSDC to serve as an incubator for workable ideas and a hub for lifelong learning, ultimately transforming into a public service university. "We want PSSDC to be a go-to place," he stated, highlighting its role in supporting the government's THEMES+ Agenda on Traffic, Health, Education, Entertainment, Security, and social inclusion, which he helped develop.
Tangible Achievements and Infrastructure Overhaul
Since assuming office, Adio-Moses has spearheaded significant modernisation projects at the Magodo-based centre. His first major move was to ensure reliable internet connectivity by running an underground fibre optic cable from the Ministry of Science and Technology in Alausa to the PSSDC campus.
Recognising the importance of digital training, his team converted nine classrooms into a state-of-the-art Computer-Based Test (CBT) facility, equipped with 300 computers. This upgrade positions PSSDC to potentially host examinations for major bodies like JAMB, WAEC, IELTS, and ICAN.
Beyond technology, the DG oversaw a comprehensive facelift, including upgraded furniture, refurbishment of the guest house, and the creation of extensive sports facilities. These include a football field, and courts for lawn tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and basketball, designed to promote team bonding and staff wellbeing.
Building a Resilient and Adaptive Civil Service
Adio-Moses explained that the PSSDC's core mandate, by law, is to train civil servants from level 12 and below. This focus on foundational training ensures that by the time personnel reach management level (level 13), they are thoroughly grounded in the required values, ethics, and skills.
"The most important thing we are trying to teach public servants is the ability to learn and relearn, and adapt because that is where resilience comes from," he noted. Training programmes begin with a three-month induction course, followed by specialised training tailored to the individual's sector.
With a rich professional background that includes working under former Accountant-General Olusoyin Williams, ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and current CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, Adio-Moses brings a unique perspective on blending public service ethos with efficiency.
He proudly asserts that consistent leadership in Lagos State has strengthened the PSSDC's original 30-year vision. "We can attract the best of brains to the public service. We can attract innovative ideas... It is my belief that we should attract the best brains to public service," Adio-Moses concluded, confident that the future of Lagos's civil service is looking brighter.
