A Homecoming of Excellence: NIEPA’s Training and Research Department Rallies Behind Shofoyeke
ONDO, NIGERIA – It was a momentous atmosphere of camaraderie and institutional pride as the Training and Research Department of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA NIGERIA), Ondo paid a strategic solidarity visit to the Institute’s newly appointed substantive Director-General, Dr. David Shofoyeke.
The visit, which felt much like a homecoming, was an opportunity for the department to formally congratulate one of their own. Prior to his elevation to the highest office in the Institute, he was a dedicated staff member of the department, subsequently rising to become its Head, and later serving as the Coordinator of the North Central Office of NIEPA. He successfully steered the Institute as the Acting Director-General before his recent, highly celebrated confirmation as the substantive Chief Executive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Led by the current Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Lara Ogunsola, the delegation expressed immense optimism about the future of the Institute under his leadership. Dr. Ogunsola conveyed the department’s unwavering goodwill and reaffirmed their total readiness to work collaboratively with Dr. Shofoyeke to advance the Institute’s core mandate in educational planning, training, and research.
As a symbolic token of their solidarity and pride, the department presented the Director-General with a customized roll-up banner featuring his portrait alongside heartfelt words of congratulations.
The visit was marked by deep warmth and unity, culminating in special prayers offered for the Director-General. The staff sought divine wisdom, strength, clarity of vision, and remarkable success for him throughout his tenure.
In his response, Dr. Shofoyeke expressed profound appreciation to the visiting team for the thoughtful gesture. He noted that such genuine acts of solidarity reflect the exact spirit of teamwork and shared purpose required to propel the Institute into a new era of national relevance.
Outlining his vision, Shofoyeke disclosed that aggressive, deliberate efforts are already underway to strengthen NIEPA through a revitalized strategic partnership with UNESCO and other development partners, aiming to transform educational planning and administration in Nigeria.
Demonstrating his commitment to staff welfare and professional growth, the Chief Executive announced that comprehensive capacity-building programmes for the early-career academic staff within the Training and Research Department will commence immediately after the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations.
He charged all staff members to maintain a unified front, emphasizing that the growth and development of the department are inextricably linked to the overall success of the Institute. The DG concluded by reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to institutional excellence through strategic partnerships, continuous staff development, and administrative effectiveness.
