By Amina Ahmad Aminu
The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSECE) ABU Zaria has embarked on a region-wide conduct of its Advanced Certificate training in Procurement Management. The current phase covers Sokoto, Katsina, and Kano States of North-West Nigeria.
The training which commenced in Katsina State received a massive turnout of one hundred and five participants.
In attendance at the Katsina training were the Deputy Centre Leader, Procurement Management, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad, Director, Directorate of Physical Planning and Development, Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Dr Engr Lawal Salisu, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Katsina State, Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim Makarfi, and Project Manager/Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Sani Kaita.
In his remarks, the Deputy Centre Leader, Procurement Management, Dr Abdullahi Muhammad articulated the importance and timeliness of the courses to be delivered. According to him, the courses are being delivered exploring best practices, innovative strategies, and cutting-edge techniques that will elevate procurement processes to new heights. He further encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication, and not only strive to enhance individual capabilities but also collectively contribute to the advancement of organizations and communities.
This expression of firm commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility in the dynamic landscape of Nigeria’s Northwest region, in his words, is a trailblazing initiative pursued to revolutionize procurement practices and champion environmental and social responsibility.
“The Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSECE) ABU Zaria is leading the charge through impactful training sessions that are reshaping the fabric of sustainability in Procurement Management.
“With a firm commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, the Centre has taken the drive to conduct Advanced Certificate training in Procurement Management in Sokoto, Katsina, and Kano States of Nigeria. This is what makes SPESSE-CE ABU unique; its interdisciplinary approach to sustainability. It does this by recognizing that environmental and social issues are deeply interconnected, the training programmes of the Centre address the intersectionality of the key study areas and challenges, fostering holistic solutions that promote both environmental conservation and social equity. As SPESSE-CE ABU continues to expand its training frontiers across the Northwest region, the ripple effects of its initiatives have already begun to be felt far and wide,” he emphasized.
One of the participants, Safiya Ya’u expressed delight in the training. She commended the facilitators for delivering a detailed and thorough analysis of relevant areas needed for Procurement management. She was also impressed with the conducive learning environment provided for the training.
Another participant, Mansur Abdu Safana also appreciated SPESSECE ABU, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other stakeholders for initiating the project and also for bringing the training to Katsina. He further advised that more training should be conducted in Katsina to bridge the gap in procurement practices he has realized as a result of his training.
The Procurement Management training programmes are designed to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of sustainable procurement. Participants are empowered to integrate environmental and social considerations into every stage of the procurement process, from supplier selection to contract management.
