By Fred Nwaozor
The Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CE-sPESS) of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), has conducted a 5-Day Training Workshop on Executive Courses, concurrently at both the Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki and David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) Uburu, both in Ebonyi State.
This feat was achieved a few months after the Centre also conducted her outreach training concurrently at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Awka and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU) Umudike both in Abia State.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony at EBSU, the Centre Director, Engr. Prof. Gloria Chukwudebe appreciated the presence of the participants and distinguished guests.
Prof. Chukwudebe while also thanking the sponsors of the project, the World Bank and the National Universities Commission (NUC), notified the gathering that the CE-sPESS has three programme areas in the study curriculum, namely: Procurement Management, Environmental Standards and Social Standards.
The Director who commended the Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna N. Oti for her support since inception, informed the audience that five different tracks are currently being run in the Centre, which are:
Track A — Executive Courses.
Track B — Advanced Certificate Programme.
Track C — Postgraduate Diploma (PGD).
Track D — Master’s (M.Sc).
Track E — Undergraduate (Degree/B.Sc.)
Vice-Chancellor of EBSU, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu elatedly commended the FUTO CE-sPESS facilitators for going outside their comfort zone to impact the needed knowledge as regards procurement matters. The V.C was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academics, Prof. Eugene Nweke.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, who addressed the session virtually thanked the Management of EBSU for hosting the FUTO team and accepting to partner with the visiting University assuring them that their efforts would not be a waste, rather a sacrifice that would yield a formidable fruit in the long run.
In his Goodwill Message, the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndifu-Alike (FUNAI), Prof. Sunday Elom commended the hosting and visiting Universities for the collaboration towards bringing the required professional knowledge to the people’s doorstep. Prof. Elom was represented by the Desk Officer of the Academic Staff Training & Development TetFund of the University, Dr Mrs Rita Alo Uzoma.
Also present was the Head of the Civil Service (HoS), Ebonyi State, Dr Mrs Rita Mary Okoro who applauded the FUTO CE-sPESS for going the extra mile in ensuring that professionals in her State acquire skills. She also was represented by the Permanent Secretary & Executive Secretary of the State Council on Public Procurement, Mrs. Betty Ify Uzoma – who expressed delight that the workshops would help to properly educate the public servants on what they need to know regarding procurement issues.
On his part, Commissioner for Finance Ebonyi State, Dr. Leonard Chukwuma Uguru appreciated the effort of the CE-sPESS in making the people of the State pass through the needed tutelage.
Also, the Vice-Chancellor of DUFUHS, Prof. Jesse Uneke appreciated the FUTO CE-sPESS for coming from Owerri to Uburu to partner with the University. Represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Brian Ogbonna, he assured that the University (DUFUHS) will strengthen the relationship with CE-sPESS going forward.
In their remarks, the Class Governors from the three Programme Areas – Procurement Management, Environmental Standards & Social Standards commended the Management of the FUTO CE-sPESS for considering Uburu in its quest to deliver the prime objectives of the Centre.
They expressed delight that the Resource Personnel sent to educate them were well-grounded and of high profile.
The Centre thereafter conducted similar training for professionals from Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri Imo State, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (A.I.F.U.E) Owerri, Federal College of Land Resources and Technology (FECOLART) Owerri, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) Rivers State among others.
