Skip to main content

“‘Education Is Not a Scam’ — What This Public Admin Alumna Said Left the Crowd Speechless!”

The Annual Ife Public Administration Summit (AIPAS 6.0), held yesterday at Obafemi Awolowo University, delivered a compelling call to action under the theme: “The Rise of Digital Administration: Innovation at the Heart of Governance.”

Organized by the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS) and presided over by President Aluko Emmanuel, the summit brought together a host of industry leaders, government officials, alumni, and students to explore how digital tools are reshaping public service in Nigeria.

Driving Home the Digital Message

The summit's keynote speaker, Engr. Adedini Marcus Adetoye, a top voice in construction and engineering, stressed the power of digital innovation in enhancing government operations. His message centered on three major outcomes of digital transformation:

  • Improved access to public services

  • Increased transparency and accountability

  • Greater efficiency and productivity in service delivery

He called on public institutions to embrace digital experimentation and accelerate the digitalization of services, warning that future governance would be anchored on technological advancement.

From Policy to Practice

Adding perspective from within government, Hon. Olangunju Moshood — represented by Hon. Popoola — applauded the department’s consistent commitment to civic engagement. He highlighted Osun State’s digital strides, particularly through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, as proof that innovative governance is possible at the state level. He charged students to fuse governance knowledge with digital literacy to create real impact.

Panel Sparks Inspiration

In the panel session, Mr. Samuel Aiyedun, Service Strategy Manager at Otomax, dissected the topic “Digital Innovation and Inclusion in Corporate Governance.” Citing global trends, he detailed how digital systems have accelerated workflows, reduced paperwork, and boosted organizational efficiency. His practical advice?

“Curiosity. Problem-Solving. Action. That’s the roadmap to digital relevance.”

He urged students to start acquiring digital skills immediately, describing them as “a non-negotiable advantage for the future of work.

Also on the panel, Miss Stella Uwaechue, an accomplished alumna and investor relations expert, captivated the audience with a blend of tough love and optimism. She rejected the rising cynicism about education, calling Public Administration a rich and diverse discipline.

“Education is not a scam. It's a tool. Combine it with digital skills and your relevance skyrockets,” she said.

She encouraged students to volunteer, build networks via platforms like LinkedIn, and embrace continuous learning as the gateway to influence and fulfillment.

A Transformational Experience

As the summit came to a close, what lingered was more than applause — it was a collective sense of direction. AIPAS 6.0 has armed the next generation of public administrators with the urgency, tools, and mindset to ensure innovation is not just an add-on, but the very core of modern governance.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Not Worth the Dues? NAPAS Students Decry Package Quality

By Public Voice News Agency What began as a long-anticipated disbursement quickly unraveled into a wave of discontent on Tuesday, May 6th, as members of the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS), Obafemi Awolowo University, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the quality and value of their long-awaited departmental packages. The delay in distribution had already raised eyebrows, with students, especially freshers ,  growing restless after months of waiting. Expectations were high. But when the Financial Secretary, through the Public Relations Officer (PRO), invited students to the Departmental President’s office for collection, the excitement fizzled into frustration. Present at the collection point were the Financial Secretary, the PRO, and the General Secretary. For stalites , the package consisted of just one item: a department-branded crest. “It’s not just about getting something it’s about getting something useful,” said Oluwatobiloba, a Part 3 student...

“Indefinite Suspension.” “Impeached.” “Removed.” — Yesterday’s Sitting Was No Joke!

By Public Voice News Agency The NAPAS parliamentary chamber roared back into activity on what should have been a quiet afternoon, as the legislative arm of the association met for what turned out to be a gripping session of debates, decisions, and disciplinary actions. The sitting, scheduled for 3:00 PM, officially began at 3:54 PM with an opening prayer led by the PLO, followed by a solemn rendition of the Great Ife Anthem. The reading of the last sitting’s minutes by the Clerk of the House marked the formal opening. The motion for adoption was moved by Hon. Kanmi and seconded by the Speaker, setting the stage for what would become a drama-filled sitting. Audit Committee Under Fire An early flashpoint emerged when only three out of eight members of the Audit Committee were present—a quorum failure that drew immediate concern. Tension heightened when Napasite Segun, raised a constitutional question: Why was the Acting Editor-in-Chief of Public Voice serving on the committee at al...

PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK: DEBATING, DETERMINATION, AND A FRESHMAN’S BOLD FIRST STEPS

By : Public voice news agency This week’s Personality of the Week shines the spotlight on a freshman whose courage, curiosity, and determination are already making waves within the department. Meet Junaid Habeebat Kehinde, a Part One student of the Department of Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Jovial by nature and sincere in her dealings with people, Junaid represents the kind of freshness and enthusiasm that defines the true spirit of a new beginning. Interestingly, Junaid revealed that she had little knowledge of public administration before gaining admission into the university. However, since resumption, her perception has changed significantly. She describes the course as interesting and engaging, noting that she has grown to genuinely enjoy studying it.  Before coming into the university, Junaid already had an interest in debating and public speaking. That interest, combined with her passion, curiosity, and love for challenging herself, pushed her...