Local government is important in the delivery of democratic dividends, Director-General Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) Dr. Senukon Harrison Ajose has said.
Ajose, who spoke at the weekend during the orientation of a two-year Diploma in Local Government Administration and Development Studies, at PSSDC, Magodo, Lagos, noted: “It is in this regard that the management of Lagos State University (LASU) and PSSDC have agreed on a collaboration that will further embark on a career enhancement programme that will expose public officers in the local government to knowledge, skills and attitude for high productivity through the display of quality and standard performance.
“I am happy to say that the diploma programme is the outcome of a strong intellectual and practitioners’ collaboration between LASU and PSSDC.
“The course is packaged to develop students’ capacity and provide the needed skilled human resources in the public service, particularly in the local government and other relevant governmental institutions.”
He said the programme had evolved through the engagement of stakeholders, particularly Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, adding that LASU and PSSDC provided the resources needed to make the course 21st century compliant.
LASU’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Olanrewaju Fagboun noted that the programme is not only to award certificates, but to also provide the best education and training for practitioners in local government administration and development studies, as well as individuals, who have passion for the programme.
Fagboun, represented by his deputy, Prof. Oyindamola Oke, congratulated the 180 students, saying there was no doubt Nigeria, as other countries, needed a formidable local government to develop.