Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo has assumed office as Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education following the appointment of the erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, as the Head of Civil Service designate by the Federal Government.
A statement issued by the Director Press and Public Relations Department of the ministry, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, on the handing over event indicated that the coming of Sani-Gwarzo, marked a significant milestone in the Ministry’s journey towards Educational excellence and innovation.
In her valedictory address at the ceremony, the Head of Civil Service designate highlighted the importance of the administrative transition and expressed her unwavering confidence in Dr. Gwarzo’s capacity to consolidate on the achievements recorded during her tenure.
Walson-Jack lauded his experience, dedication to public service and healthcare management, and encouraged the new Permanent Secretary to build upon the solid foundations laid by previous leaders and to foster collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance the Education system.
She reassured the ministry’s staff of her full support and urged them to continue their collective efforts to achieve greater milestones under Dr. Gwarzo’s leadership.
Walson-Jack extended her heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her during her tenure, including the Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman and the Minister of State, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, based on their motivational and steadfast leadership.
Similarly, she also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Heads of Departments, units, agencies, staff, international partners, and the media and thanked them for the collaboration and encouragement by them, which were instrumental in advancing the nation’s Education sector.
In his remarks, the new Permanent Secretary expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Walson-Jack, acknowledging her exceptional administrative and technical skills, as well as her natural compassion and social responsibility. He recounted the personal support he received from her.
Gwarzo, who emphasized the importance of good working relationships, recognizing the roles of Directors and Staff in the Ministry, highlighted the critical role of Directors in the civil service, stating that a good Director always ensures the success of the Permanent Secretary and, by extension, the Ministry.
He then expressed his commitment to working closely with the Directors and their teams, acknowledging the significant challenges ahead.
He promised to build upon the achievements of the Head of Service designate and to prioritize her initiatives, and solicited the support of the ministry’s staff to face the challenges ahead and ensure the Ministry’s continued success.
The Director Special Duties, Zubairu Abdullahi, expressed mixed emotions about the elevation of Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack to the position of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, recalling her impressive track record and successful leadership in various roles in the past.
In his remarks, Director of Human Resources Management, Omotayo Adeyemi, commended Walson-Jack for her significant leadership style that had brought improvements in the Ministry, including the Staff Clinic and Canteen which have fostered team confidence and enhanced efficiency, and expressed his best wishes for her future success.
Similarly, Director of Human Resource Management in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. Steven Simon, wished the new Head of Service success in his new role, while appreciating Mrs. Walson-Jack’s unique character and leadership abilities.
As this leadership transition unfolds, the Federal Ministry of Education stands poised to continue its mission of advancing educational excellence in Nigeria. The collective efforts and dedication of the Ministry’s team, under the guidance of Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, promise to bring about a brighter future for the Nation’s children and youth.
