Lagos to produce first forensic dentist in West Africa

Lagos state Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, has disclosed that the massive investment of the State government in human capacity development, is attracting global attention, as the state will be producing the first forensic dentist in West Africa.

The commissioner disclosed this during the ministerial press briefing organised as part of activities to commemorate the first year in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the JJT Park, Alausa, on Wednesday.

She informed the gathering that the state government decided to foot the bill of sponsoring one of its staff from the ministry of health to do a masters degree in legal medicine and forensic dentistry abroad, in order to bridge an identified gap.

“Once the staff completes his course of study, he will be the first forensic dentist in West Africa and this points to the massive investment in human capital development that the present administration is embarking on,” the coommissioner said.

Ponnle stated that the Lagos state government is committed to building a 21st workforce that will deliver the dividends of democracy to Lagosians across every area of human needs by directing its training and capacity development programmes to both generic, and technical areas of competency.

She said that one of the notable achievements and innovations to training programmes under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the introduction of on-line learning programmes starting with Webinar series ensures that the capacity of the entire workforce was developed even during the state-wide lockdown period.

The commissioner disclosed that within the past few months 11 Webinar series initiative have been held, comprising of 10 generic and one job specific for teachers. 

“There was also a virtual launch of the pilot of the Lagos state Learning Management System with over 10,000 members of staff uploaded, giving access to over 500 training courses. 

“The pilot phase of executive coaching programme for executive council members was also launched with 30 per cent of cabinet members enrolled. 

“The initiative was in partnership with international coaching federation accredited coaches, whereby cabinet members are offered one on one coaching sessions to provide support in developing their personal, professional and political aspirations,” she added.

The launch of the learning management system and the various Webinar series, Ponnle said, were aimed at achieving a paradigm shift from learning being an event to being a continuous process, thereby building a workforce that is equipped with relevant skills, knowledge and competencies to deliver the dividends of democracy to the teeming population of the state.

According to her, the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo, being the training centre established specifically for the training of government officials, also keyed into the virtual training initiative as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown and suspension of physical training courses.

She stated that in line with the business continuity stance of the ministry, the centre has continued to engage its participants and other stakeholders through the placement of learning slides on its website, adding that the centre is also in the process of commencing its learning, and development activities using alternative means.

The commissioner however, affirmed that the ministry is committed to continuously developing initiatives that will ensure that the mandate of a 21st century-compliant workforce is achieved.