NANS Hails Enitan’s Appointment as Head of Service, Says His Wealth of Experience Will Boost Public Service

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has congratulated Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan on his appointment as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, describing his elevation as a recognition of his years of dedicated public service, administrative experience and commitment to national development.

In a congratulatory message dated August 24, 2026, and signed by the Head of Administration, Comr. Owolewa Taiwo S., NANS National Headquarters said Enitan’s appointment was well deserved, noting that his extensive experience in the Federal Civil Service had prepared him for the responsibility of leading the nation’s public service.

Enitan is set to assume office as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on August 27, 2026, succeeding Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60. His appointment followed his emergence as the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

Before his new appointment, Enitan served as Permanent Secretary in several strategic government establishments. His postings included the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, a position he assumed in March 2025.

During his time at the Federal Ministry of Education, Enitan was involved in efforts to strengthen performance, accountability and service delivery within the ministry. At his assumption of office, he charged directors and staff to renew their commitment to the development of Nigeria’s education sector and emphasised the importance of effective service delivery.

He also pledged to prioritise staff welfare and operate an open-door administration, while urging officials of the ministry to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of the education sector.

Enitan has spent more than three decades in public service and has served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months. His career has taken him through various areas of government administration, giving him broad experience in policy implementation, public-sector management and institutional administration.

Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan is from Osun State. He attended Ajibode Grammar School in Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.

He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in 2015, further strengthening his academic background in public policy and administration.

NANS, in its congratulatory message, described Enitan’s elevation as a testament to his professionalism, administrative competence and unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria. The association particularly acknowledged his contributions to the education sector and his service to the Nigerian people.

The student body expressed confidence that his experience and knowledge of the public service would enable him to make a meaningful impact in his new capacity, stressing that his appointment provides another opportunity for him to contribute to the efficiency, professionalism and transformation of Nigeria’s public service.

NANS said it was confident that Enitan’s tenure would be marked by excellence, innovation, accountability and service to humanity, while wishing him wisdom, strength, good health and success as he takes on the new responsibility.

The association also assured the incoming Head of Service of its highest regards and best wishes, describing his appointment as a well-deserved recognition of a career built around public service and national development.

Enitan’s new role comes with significant responsibilities as the Federal Government continues to pursue reforms aimed at improving efficiency, professionalism, accountability and service delivery across the public sector. His extensive experience as a career civil servant is expected to play an important role as he assumes leadership of the Federal Civil Service.