Ondo Assembly hails reforms, promises legislative backing for workforce growth

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Human Capital Development has commended the State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Phillip, for his innovative steps in repositioning the civil service for greater efficiency.

The committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Tope Agbulu, paid a working visit to the Office of the Head of Service in Akure where it described the workforce as the “engine room of government,” stressing the need for continuous training and retraining of workers to ensure optimal performance.

Hon. Agbulu assured that the legislature would continue to provide necessary support through legislative frameworks that would enable the public service to thrive. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging existing facilities at the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI), particularly the Computer-Based Test (CBT) center, to strengthen transparency and reduce fraud in recruitment exercises.

He further called for greater engagement and communication between the Head of Service and lawmakers, noting that such synergy would enhance recruitment opportunities for constituents, improve service delivery, and accelerate development across the state.

In his words: “Our constituents look up to us for employment and empowerment. We urge your office to increase collaboration with lawmakers in creating opportunities, while also sustaining transparency and efficiency in the process.”

Other Members including the Lawmaker representing Ese-odo constituency ,Hon.Primate Oluwatoyin Allen pledged continued partnership with the office, reaffirming the Assembly’s resolve to enact supportive laws and oversight mechanisms that would enable the state’s workforce to keep delivering effectively.

Responding, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Phillip, briefed the committee on key reforms undertaken by his office, including the establishment of a Reform Office, which drives public service innovations and ethical standards across ministries and departments.

He disclosed that despite financial constraints, the office had recorded significant achievements such as the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers and 400 healthcare professionals, alongside conversions and promotions across various cadres. According to him, these measures were designed to boost staff morale and enhance career progression in the service.

Phillip further explained that his office had introduced reforms to shorten training duration at the Public Service Training Institute from six months to three months, while also adopting a humane approach in handling personnel matters, particularly in addressing concerns of nurses and other professionals affected by systemic changes.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency in the recruitment process, assuring that every effort was being made to sustain merit and fairness while resisting external pressures.

The Head of Service also appealed for stronger legislative support to consolidate reforms aimed at strengthening the state’s human capital base.