Are extensive programming skils needed to succeed as Product Owner

You seem to suspect that you might need these skills, now or in the future, to fulfill the role of Product Owner. Can you explain why? How would *you* use them to improve value, bearing in mind that development work ought to be performed by Development Team members?

@Ian raises great points because quite honestly, I prefer it when my Product Owners have no development experience.  I have found it helps them to focus on their defining the "problems" that need to be solved and letting the Development Team focus on the technology.  That way both of the roles can easier respect the fact that both of them will do what is best for the team and the company. 

Having said that I have worked with Product Owners that have had development backgrounds and it had mixed results.  It has helped them understand impediments or concerns raised by the Development Teams.  But there is fine line between understanding and being involved when you are used to being part of the technical solutions. A few of my previous-developer-Product Owners had a real hard time separating themselves from trying to direct the technical solutions, especially when they had been doing development for a long time. 

In my opinion, your "junior" level experience should be enough for you and I'd recommend not trying to do more.  UNLESS you are expected to be a Technical Product Manager where you are responsible for a lot of the infrastructural type products (infrastructure, database systems, etc).  Then having technical knowledge can help you in determining the value of doing things like version upgrades vs point release upgrades. 

All goes back to @Ian's questions. 

(One of these days I hope to learn how to ask short concise questions that are so insightful like he does.) 

@Ian & Daniel, thank you guys a lot , i am sorry to ask what might be redundant questions, however i am on a phase where i need to make decisions regarding what is best for my career, i am working for the Ministry of Education. Most part of my job has to do with projects and procurement following i am also coordinator of major Education Management Information System at the moment. I was recently contacted regarding PO position ( training covered)  in private sector and the interview went well, and now i am thinking no matter the outcome of the offer should i pursue the certifications and would my previous experience in the Ministry of Education be taken into consideration. I really appreciate your input.

...should i pursue the certifications and would my previous experience in the Ministry of Education be taken into consideration.

@Elmas, I will honestly say that I can't answer your last questions. You are the only one that decide if you should pursue the certification. However, if you do want to pursue a live in Agile/Scrum, I'll suggest you make that decision based on what you know now.  Would the certification provide value to you and your career goals?

As for the experience being taking into consideration, the answer lies only with the people that are looking at your background to determine whether you are a fit for the position. 

Good luck with your decision.