29/08/2026
REPORT ON THE WORKING VISIT TO NERDC NORTH CENTRAL ZONAL OFFICE, MINNA, NIGER STATE
*Date of Visit:* 27th–28th August 2026
*Venue* : NERDC North Central Zonal Office, Minna, Niger State
1.0 Introduction
In line with the mandate of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to ensure effective coordination, supervision, and service delivery across its zonal offices, a working visit was undertaken to the NERDC North Central Zonal Office, Minna, Niger State, from 27th to 28th August 2026.
The visit was aimed at assessing the operations of the Zonal Office, reviewing administrative and human resource matters, assessing the state of infrastructure and office facilities, identifying challenges affecting effective service delivery, and strengthening collaboration and communication between the Headquarters and the Zonal Office.
2.0 Headquarters Delegation
The following officers represented the Headquarters during the working visit:
1. The Executive Secretary, NERDC – Prof. Salisu Shehu
2. Director, Library and Informatics – Dr. Mandela Asebiomo
3. Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services – Ms. Eunice Modupe Ogundele
4. Director, General Services – Mr. Salihu Zuberu
5. Director, Office of the Executive Secretary – Mr. Sabiu Muhammed Sule
6. Representative, Public Affairs Unit – Mr. Ibrahim Mansur
3.0 Reception
The Executive Secretary and the management team were warmly received by the Head of the North Central Zonal Office, Ms. Blessing Onu, alongside members of staff of the Zonal Office.
4.0 Activities During the Visit
During the working visit, the Executive Secretary and the management team undertook a comprehensive assessment of the operations and facilities of the Zonal Office. The major activities included:
- Inspection of offices, stores, infrastructure, and other office facilities.
- Assessment of available office resources and equipment.
- Interaction with members of staff on the achievements, challenges, and operational needs of the Zonal Office.
- Briefing by the Heads of Departments on the activities and performance of their respective units.
- Review of staff welfare, deployment, human resource, and administrative matters.
- Assessment of logistics and general services delivery.
- Discussion on strengthening communication and collaboration between the Headquarters and the Zonal Office.
- Assessment of public awareness and visibility of NERDC activities within the North Central zone.
5.0 Observations and Contributions from Management
5.1 Executive Secretary
The Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, led the assessment of the state of infrastructure, office resources, and facilities at the Zonal Office.
He reviewed issues relating to staff welfare, deployment, human resources, administrative processes, logistics, and general service delivery. He also engaged the staff on issues affecting their performance and provided guidance on measures required to improve efficiency and productivity.
The Executive Secretary emphasised the need for improved internal communication, stronger collaboration between the Headquarters and the Zonal Office, and greater visibility of NERDC activities within the zone.
In his closing remarks, the Executive Secretary assured the Head of the Zonal Office and members of staff that the issues and challenges raised during the visit would receive appropriate attention and that the necessary support would be provided to improve the operations of the office.
5.2 Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services
The Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services, Ms. Eunice Modupe Ogundele, reviewed issues relating to staff welfare, human resource management, deployment, and capacity-building needs.
She encouraged staff to identify areas where additional training and capacity development would enhance their effectiveness and contribute to improved service delivery.
5.3 Director, General Services
The Director, General Services, Mr. Salihu Zuberu, reviewed matters relating to general services, logistics, office facilities, and other operational requirements of the Zonal Office.
He provided guidance on the effective management and utilisation of available resources and highlighted areas requiring attention to improve the working environment.
5.4 Director, Library and Informatics
The Director, Library and Informatics, Dr. Mandela Asebiomo, advised the staff on the importance of strengthening collaboration and information-sharing between the Headquarters and the Zonal Office.
He also emphasised the need for the Zonal Office to embrace digitisation and make effective use of available information and communication technology resources.
6.0 Key Observations
The following key observations were made during the visit:
1. Staff demonstrated commitment and dedication to their duties but identified inadequate logistics, ICT tools, and other operational resources as major challenges.
2. The office infrastructure and facilities require upgrading to meet current operational standards.
3. There is a need to accelerate the digitisation of library and information resources.
4. Some human resource and administrative processes require streamlining to improve efficiency.
5. Staff capacity-building and continuous professional development require greater attention.
6. Internal communication and collaboration between the Headquarters and the Zonal Office can be further strengthened.
7. Public awareness and visibility of NERDC activities within the North Central zone remain relatively low and require improvement.
7.0 Recommendations
Based on the observations made during the visit, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Provision of ICT and Internet Facilities: Additional ICT equipment and reliable internet support should be provided to the Zonal Office to enhance productivity and communication.
2. Upgrading of Office Facilities: Necessary repairs, renovations, and upgrading of office infrastructure should be undertaken to provide a conducive working environment.
3. Digitisation: The digitisation of library and information resources should be fast-tracked, alongside appropriate training for staff.
4. Human Resource Matters: Outstanding HR and administrative issues raised during the interactive session should be addressed promptly.
5. Capacity Building: Regular training and professional development programmes should be organised for staff based on identified capacity needs.
6. Improved Communication: Effective communication channels between the Headquarters and the Zonal Office should be strengthened to facilitate timely information flow and coordination.
7. Publicity and Visibility: The Public Affairs Unit should intensify public awareness activities in the North Central zone through regular publicity, media engagement, and stakeholder outreach.
8. Logistics and General Services: Identified logistical and general service requirements should be addressed to improve the efficiency of the Zonal Office.
8.0 Conclusion
The working visit to the NERDC North Central Zonal Office, Minna, Niger State, was successful and provided an opportunity for the Executive Secretary and members of the management team to undertake a first-hand assessment of the operations, facilities, and challenges of the Zonal Office.
The direct interaction with the Head of the Zonal Office and members of staff also provided valuable insight into their achievements, operational challenges, welfare concerns, and resource requirements.
The visit further strengthened the relationship between the Headquarters and the Zonal Office and provided an avenue for management to give necessary guidance and support.
It is expected that the implementation of the recommendations arising from the visit will significantly improve the working environment, staff productivity, public visibilit and overall service delivery of the NERDC North Central Zonal Office.
