By Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD

Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration is steadily redefining public service delivery in Abia State by deliberately institutionalizing technology within the civil service. This strategy goes beyond the adoption of digital tools; it reflects a comprehensive governance philosophy that places human capital development, meritocracy, and technological innovation at the core of state administration. The recent automatic employment of 50 outstanding graduates of TechRise Cohort 2 into relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Abia State Civil Service is a practical demonstration of this vision in action.

At the heart of this reform is the TechRise programme, a forward looking initiative designed to equip young Abians with 21st century digital competencies that are essential for modern governance. Within just twelve months, the programme has produced 1,359 graduates trained in various technology driven skills. By integrating the best of these graduates into the civil service, Governor Otti is embedding digital capacity directly into government structures, ensuring that technology is not an external add-on but an internalized operational culture within public institutions.

This approach marks a clear departure from the traditional model of civil service recruitment that often emphasized patronage over proficiency. The selective absorption of only the most outstanding TechRise graduates sends a strong message that competence, innovation, and measurable performance are now the primary criteria for public service engagement. In doing so, the administration is gradually building a technologically literate workforce capable of designing, managing, and sustaining digital systems that enhance efficiency and transparency across government operations.

The institutionalization of technology is further reinforced through structural reforms at the leadership level of the civil service. The rigorous and merit based process that produced the current crop of Permanent Secretaries has ensured that critical ministries and agencies are led by individuals with proven administrative capacity and professional discipline. These leaders provide the institutional backbone required to effectively deploy technology, manage digital transitions, and uphold the standards of accountability that modern governance demands.

Complementing human capacity development is the Governor’s strong investment in digital infrastructure. The completion of the Umuahia dedicated internet access and wide area network programme has connected government establishments in the capital to a unified and reliable digital platform. This infrastructure enables efficient communication, seamless data sharing, and real time monitoring of government activities. It significantly reduces dependence on manual processes and physical paperwork, while enhancing speed, accuracy, and accountability in public service delivery.

Beyond infrastructure and recruitment, Governor Otti’s strategy emphasizes the practical application of technology to solve real societal problems. TechRise graduates have demonstrated this through innovative solutions, including applications that transform waste into economic value and digital tools that support motorists in distress. These examples show that the administration’s investment in technology is not abstract or theoretical but is directly linked to economic productivity, service efficiency, and improved quality of life for the people.

By combining digital skills training with leadership development, discipline, and resilience, the government is nurturing a new generation of civil servants who are equipped to innovate, adapt, and take initiative. This holistic approach ensures that technology becomes an enduring institutional asset rather than a short-term experiment. It also creates a workforce that understands both the technical and ethical dimensions of public service in a digital age.

The policy of recognizing excellence through automatic employment for top performers and financial empowerment for all TechRise graduates further strengthens this institutional framework. It reinforces a performance driven culture where innovation and hard-work are rewarded, and where continuous improvement is encouraged across the civil service. Such incentives are critical to sustaining technological reforms and preventing a relapse into outdated administrative practices.

It is therefore gratifying to observe Governor Alex Otti practically institutionalizing technology in the Abia State civil service through a deliberate blend of human capital investment, merit based recruitment, leadership reform, and robust digital infrastructure. By embedding skilled professionals within government, upgrading systems, and promoting a culture of innovation and accountability, his administration is transforming the civil service into an efficient, responsive, and future ready institution. The resulting gains in productivity, professionalism, and service delivery underscore a strategic vision that positions Abia State as a model of technology driven governance in Nigeria.

Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.