Directorate’s Strategic Shift: Unit Heads Unite for Enhanced Performance and Service Delivery

A meeting of unit heads in the Directorate department of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Ondo, held Monday 7th July, 2025 at the Institute’s New Council Chamber to discuss key issues to enhance service delivery and promote a culture of accountability. Deputy Director Audit, Mr. Amos Amoo, who stood in for the Head of the Directorate, Dr. David Shofoyeke, welcomed all to the meeting and extended the apologies of Dr. Shofoyeke for his absence. He relayed the Acting Director General’s message of appreciation to unit heads for the progress NIEPA has made so far via the department, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to the Institute’s growth and development. He encouraged them to buckle up for the task ahead.

One of the key issues slated for discussion was the emergence of the new Performance Management System (PMS), which aims to optimize performance, enhance accountability, and provide a systematic process for planning work, setting targets and measuring results. According to Amoo, the PMS has come to replace the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) system and will be used for promotion in the current assessment year. The Deputy Director further explained that schedules must be prepared by various units for staff members to ensure compliance.

The meeting also highlighted several germane issues and developments. Excuse duty forms, introduced by SERVICOM and dispersed to various departments to track staff attendance, productivity and ensuring that staff members are held accountable for their time and work. Additionally, punctuality was discussed, emphasizing its importance for smooth operations and maximizing productivity. The meeting also touched on quarterly and routine monitoring of zonal offices to ensure consistency and quality service delivery. Furthermore, the mandatory use of identity cards within the premises was discussed, with a focus on enhancing professionalism and security. The meeting also emphasized the importance of effective information management practices to support informed decision-making and optimize confidentiality.

Unit heads in attendance included Mr. Ugo Nwosu (SERVICOM), Barrister Etefia Erica (Legal), Mr. Tenabe Bodunde (Public Relations/Media), Mrs. Semudara Ifedayo (Procurement), and Mr. Tolu Adelakun (Marketing Unit), with the meeting chaired by Deputy Director Audit, Mr. Amos Amoo, who stood in for the Ag. Director General, Dr. David Shofoyeke. Others included representatives from the Programmes and Liaison Unit and the Office of the Director General.

The meeting’s outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to the commitment to service excellence, accountability, and efficiency. By addressing these key issues, the Directorate aims to improve performance, enhance productivity, and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.