Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the conversion of 654 officers across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state, in a move aimed at rewarding professionalism and career growth within the civil service.

The approval was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, and made available to journalists in Ibadan. According to the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Kamoru Aderibigbe, the beneficiaries span different sub-officer cadres, ranging from junior to senior levels.

Aderibigbe explained that the officers qualified for the conversion after improving their academic credentials by obtaining relevant and approved qualifications from recognised tertiary institutions. He noted that the exercise reflects the state government’s commitment to merit, capacity building, and career progression in the public service.

He said the conversion would not only result in improved remuneration for the affected officers but would also enable them to reach the peak of their careers within the civil service, describing it as a morale-boosting development for workers.

The Civil Service Commission chairman urged the beneficiaries to see the governor’s approval as a special privilege and to respond with renewed dedication, diligence, and commitment to their duties.

Aderibigbe also commended Governor Makinde for what he described as an unprecedented end-of-year goodwill gesture to workers in Oyo State, noting that the decision further underscores the administration’s focus on workers’ welfare and institutional efficiency.

Civil servants have welcomed the approval as another step by the Makinde administration to strengthen the state workforce through motivation, fairness, and recognition of personal development efforts.