How UNILORIN certificate boosted my career – Head of Service
How UNILORIN certificate boosted my career – Head of Service
Amanna
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, CFR, has paid glowing tributes to the University of Ilorin, saying that the certificate she earned at the most sought-after University in Nigeria catapulted her to greatness.
Dr Yemi-Esan stated this last Thursday (May 23, 2024) when she paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, before she joined other guests at the 258th Inaugural Lecture of the University.
She said, “I hold a lot of fond memories of UNILORIN. I was here to obtain a Certificate in Health Planning and Management, and that certificate catapulted my career in the Ministry of Health at that time and later as a surgeon”.
Recalling her early days, the Head of Service said, “Even though I came for the course out of boredom, as a dental surgeon working in Lagos. Thank God that course opened my eyes to a lot of things. It was after that course that I went on to do a Master in Public and International Administration. And the rest is history from then on.”
Dr Yemi-Esan highlighted the transformative impact of her education at the University of Ilorin. She said, “That course broadened my horizon. It taught me that you don’t just sit in a space as a medical doctor and feel that is the end of the world. The world is much bigger than medicine, and I thank God that the UNILORIN certificate made me a better person”.
Reflecting on her career trajectory, the number one civil servant in the federation noted that when a Minister was shopping for a Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Health, the specific certificate she had from the University of Ilorin automatically made her the best candidate for the position.
Dr Yemi-Esan also shared insights into her journey to becoming a Permanent Secretary. She recalled, “When I went to write the exam to become a Permanent Secretary, it was very easy for me because of the background I had. It was an administrative exam, and most medical professionals were struggling with it, but because I had expanded my base a bit, that exam wasn’t too difficult. Since then, God has helped me to build on that solid foundation”.
Read Also:UNIMAID Releases Important Announcement for Bio 203 Students
While expressing her deep appreciation for the University of Ilorin, she said, “I cherish the University of Ilorin. Even growing up, I used to come to UNILORIN very often because I grew up in Ilorin, and driving into the campus brought back many memories. I didn’t recognise most buildings, which is a sign of development. Kudos to the successive administrations of the University”.
