A Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Education, Ujam Claris, has received the 2026 Presidential Distinguished Civil Service Career Award, the highest recognition presented at the 2026 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition Ceremony.
The award was presented on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ujam emerged as the overall winner of the prestigious award, which also came with a brand-new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), in recognition of her distinguished career, dedication to duty and contributions to the Federal Civil Service.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Sani Aminu Yargaya, said the award recipients exemplified the values of character, discipline, integrity, patriotism and commitment to public service.
Yargaya stressed the importance of recognising outstanding civil servants, noting that such recognition would strengthen the public service and motivate officers whose contributions support the effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the recognition programme as an important component of the ongoing transformation of the Federal Civil Service.
She explained that the Rewards and Recognition System was established to make excellence visible by identifying, celebrating and encouraging civil servants who demonstrate exceptional commitment and deliver value to citizens.
Walson-Jack congratulated Ujam and the other award recipients, urging them to regard the recognition not only as an honour but also as a responsibility to sustain excellence and inspire younger civil servants.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, also congratulated Ujam on the achievement, describing it as a proud moment for the Ministry and a reflection of the quality, dedication and professionalism of its workforce.
Responding to the recognition, Ujam expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the honour.
She said the award would encourage her to continue serving with dedication, integrity and a commitment to excellence.
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