By Stanley Nwako
Civil
servants across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Anambra State
have been urged to embrace artificial intelligence and modern digital tools to
improve productivity, decision-making, and service delivery in government
operations.
This formed the focus of a paper presentation
titled "Leveraging ChatGPT and Modern Digital Tools for Effective
Planning, Research and Statistics Efficiency in the Civil Service,"
delivered by Dr. Johnpaul C. Onyekineso, Head of Planning, Research and
Statistics, Ministry of Health, during the In-House Human Resource Development
Week organized for officers of MDAs at the Head of Service Conference Hall,
Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Dr. Onyekineso highlighted the growing
importance of digital transformation in governance, noting that technologies
such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cloud Computing, Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), and data analytics are reshaping public
administration worldwide.
He explained that ChatGPT, an AI-powered
language model developed by OpenAI, can assist civil servants in report
writing, policy formulation, research, data interpretation, budget planning,
and strategic decision-making.
According to him, the technology can
significantly reduce the time spent on routine administrative tasks while
improving the quality of official documents and reports.
The presentation also showcased other essential
digital tools, including Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Google Workspace, GIS
applications, statistical software, and project management platforms,
emphasizing their role in enhancing planning, monitoring, evaluation, and
performance management.
Speaking on the role of Planning Officers, Dr.
Onyekineso described them as the “engine room of evidence-based governance,”
responsible for development planning, policy analysis, budgeting, research,
statistics, monitoring, and evaluation. He stressed that modern Planning
Officers must combine traditional planning skills with digital intelligence to
meet the demands of contemporary governance.
While highlighting the benefits of AI, including
increased productivity, cost reduction, innovation, and transparency, he
cautioned participants to verify information generated by AI tools and apply
professional judgment in all official assignments.
He recommended the institutionalization of AI
training across MDAs, the provision of modern digital tools for planning
departments, and the development of data-driven governance systems to improve
public sector performance.
The session concluded with practical
demonstrations on the use of ChatGPT for official correspondence, report
writing, data analysis, and project monitoring, equipping participants with
hands-on knowledge to enhance efficiency in the Anambra State Civil Service.
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