NIEPA Trains Early-Career Officers in AI, Cybersecurity

ONDO CITY — The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo, has trained early-career officers in its Training and Research Department in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and other digital skills to improve workplace efficiency and strengthen digital safety.

The two-day capacity-building programme, facilitated by the Institute’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, was held from Monday, 26 October, to Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at NIEPA’s headquarters in Ondo City. It was designed to equip participants with practical digital competencies for effective administrative and research work.

Speaking at the opening session on behalf of the Head of the ICT Department, Mr. Sina Akinyamoju, Dr. Olaide Komolafe described the training as an investment in staff development and institutional efficiency.

“We recognise that the quality of our work depends largely on the competence of our staff,” she said, adding that the programme would help early-career officers develop the skills required to contribute effectively to the Institute’s mandate.

The training covered computer fundamentals, word processing, spreadsheet applications and presentation skills. Participants also received instruction in the use of AI tools for workplace productivity, cybersecurity awareness, and the identification and prevention of social engineering attacks.

According to Komolafe, the sessions were designed to strengthen participants’ ability to collect and manage data, prepare professional documents and use digital tools responsibly. She noted that cybersecurity awareness was particularly important in helping staff recognise emerging threats and protect the Institute’s digital resources.

At the close of the programme, the Head of the Training and Research Department, Dr. Lara Ogunsola, commended the ICT Department for supporting the professional development of the Institute’s personnel.

She described the initiative as an example of NIEPA applying its capacity-building mandate internally by equipping its workforce with skills relevant to contemporary public service and educational administration.

In a post-training briefing with the Head of the Media and Public Relations Unit, Mr. Bodunde Tenabe, Komolafe reiterated Management’s commitment, under the leadership of Director-General Dr David Shofoyeke, to continuous staff development and the effective use of technology in administrative processes, educational planning and research.

Participants also welcomed the practical approach adopted during the sessions, describing the exposure to AI applications and cybersecurity threats as useful to their daily responsibilities.

The programme reflects NIEPA’s effort to strengthen staff capacity in response to evolving digital demands and promote more efficient, secure and accountable service delivery.