The Yobe State Government has begun training civil servants in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its ongoing drive to modernise public administration and enhance service delivery.
Speaking at the launch of the training workshop in Damaturu on Tuesday, the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Tonga Bularafa, described the initiative as “historic and transformative.” The workshop was organised by the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University.
Bularafa said the training aligns with the government’s vision to equip its workforce with the digital competencies required in today’s fast-evolving work environment.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to modernising public service and preparing our civil servants for the digital age,” he said.
He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for what he called “visionary leadership” and sustained investment in innovation, science, and digital transformation, which had made the training possible.
Bularafa urged participants to fully engage with the sessions and apply the insights and tools gained to their daily work.
“I encourage you to absorb everything you learn here and translate it into improved performance within the public service,” he added.
He also expressed appreciation to the Secretary to the State Government, the BioRTC team, and workshop facilitators for their support.
Also speaking, the Director of BioRTC, Professor Mahmoud Maina, said the training was the culmination of years of investment in scientific capacity-building in the state.
“We are now in the age of AI. This workshop brings together senior civil servants to explore how emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, can enhance governance, efficiency, and service delivery,” Maina said.
He praised the Buni administration for its “unwavering support,” saying it has positioned Yobe as a national leader in biomedical and digital research at the sub-national level.
“This is a remarkable milestone for the state,” he added.
