President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), effective August 27, 2026.

Enitan, a career civil servant and Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is retiring after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

Here are eight things to know about the incoming HOCSF:

1. He was born in 1966

Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan was born on December 12, 1966, and is an indigene of Osun State.

He has spent several decades in Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service, rising through the ranks to become one of the most experienced Permanent Secretaries in the service.

2. He studied Finance and Banking

Enitan began his education in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he attended Ajibode Grammar School.

He later studied at the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.

He subsequently obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia, in 2015.

3. He is currently Permanent Secretary at the Education Ministry

Before his appointment as HOCSF, Enitan served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

His career has taken him through several strategic government institutions, giving him experience in different areas of public administration.

4. He has served as Permanent Secretary for over seven years

Enitan has spent seven years and seven months as a Permanent Secretary.

During this period, he served in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Office of the Vice President and Federal Ministry of Education.

His postings exposed him to security-related administration, humanitarian affairs, executive government operations and education.

5. He is the most senior Permanent Secretary

At the time of his appointment, Enitan was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, having served in the position for seven years and seven months.

His extensive experience across ministries and government offices is expected to be useful as he assumes responsibility for coordinating the Federal Civil Service.

6. He will oversee the Federal Civil Service

As HOCSF, Enitan will provide leadership and coordination across the Federal Civil Service.

The office plays a central role in strengthening professionalism, efficiency, accountability and institutional performance across ministries, departments and agencies.

7. Tinubu has given him a reform-focused mandate

President Tinubu directed Enitan to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations within the Civil Service.

He is also expected to promote a service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, efficient and responsive to citizens.

His mandate includes strengthening the Civil Service’s capacity to support implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

8. He will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack

Enitan will assume office on August 27, 2026, succeeding Walson-Jack, who is retiring after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

President Tinubu commended Walson-Jack for her service to the country and credited her tenure with reforms and innovations in the Civil Service.

With his appointment, Enitan is expected to build on those reforms while driving greater professionalism, efficiency, merit and accountability across the Federal Civil Service. (The Nation)

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