Nigeria’s new Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has sought the cooperation of ministry staff as he commenced his tenure.
He extended a call for collaboration and endorsement from the ministry’s staff members.
Mamman urged them to be prepared to engage in their tasks with a view to achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will guide their performance evaluation.
The minister drew a parallel to his approach, likening it to that of a bricklayer, acknowledging the magnitude of the tasks that lie ahead.
This acknowledgment was expressed shortly after the minister and the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, took their oaths of office on Monday.
They promptly proceeded to engage with officials during a visit to the ministry.
During their visit, the ministers were accorded a reception by the ministry’s staff, the leaders of agencies operating under the ministry’s umbrella, and a delegation from Baze University—a private institution situated in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital—where Mamman previously held the position of vice-chancellor prior to his recent appointment.
In his address to the staff members and leaders of educational institutions, Minister Mamman accentuated the pivotal role the Ministry of Education plays in fostering Nigeria’s potential for development.
He candidly acknowledged the administration’s substantial expectations and pledged a commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the Nigerian populace.
Mamman articulated, “The expectation is huge. It’s a lot for this government. Our president is committed fully to turning the tide in this country.”
He then set forth a directive for civil servants to contribute their efforts alongside himself and Sununu to drive progress within the sector.
The minister underlined his intention to prioritise the well-being of civil servants throughout his tenure.
“I am a committed welfarist,” he affirmed, promising to uphold their rights and benefits.
Drawing from his extensive experience spanning over three decades in both government and private spheres, he acknowledged existing challenges while assuring civil servants that he would diligently work toward their just compensation.
Drawing an analogy from his past experience, he emphasised his work philosophy, stating, “I work like a bricklayer. How does a bricklayer work? Every day he goes to the site, the foreman gives him 100, 200 blocks to lay for that day. By the end of the day, he wants to see the building come up to a certain level. So in three months, six months, the house is built…We have to measure. We shall be working with KPIs.”
With his focus on teamwork and collaboration, Minister Mamman underscored the value of mutual support and cooperation among colleagues. He encouraged assisting one another in achieving common goals.
Mamman’s tenure as the minister of education is anticipated to be marked by a systematic approach to achieving set goals, with an emphasis on transparency, performance measurement, and enhancing the well-being of civil servants.
