Not less than 280 short course participants, 140 each in Minna and Ilorin study Centers of the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS), Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) have promised to leverage the knowledge and skills gained to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity for the betterment of society.
The graduands made this declaration in separate valedictory speeches during the graduation event of the Centre’s set of short course participants, which held concurrently in Ilorin and Minna.
In their speeches, class representatives of the various cohorts, including Titilayo Abdulsalam, Ahmed Muhammed Jibril, and Dr. Muhammad Isa Bala, expressed profound gratitude to Federal Government, and the World Bank for the invaluable initiative aimed at tackling global challenges and promoting sustainable development.
The graduands stated that, the training was a transformative experience that equipped them with the knowledge, skills, and passion to drive positive change in their workplaces, Nigeria and beyond. The representatives called on their fellow participants to be active observers and agents of change to be able to shape the future.
Dr Muhammad Isa Bala said. “Let us embrace this responsibility with courage, determination, and compassion. Let us continue to learn, to grow, and to strive for excellence in everything we do. And let us never forget the lessons we have learned and the friendships we have forged during our time at CIPESS classes.”
Speaking in Minna, a graduand of the Environmental Sustainability cohort, Ummulkhair Husaina said; “I must say this programme was very exciting and enlightening. It only took three weeks, but it availed all of us with the opportunity to learn something that will last us a long time – throughout our lives, we will be implementing the lessons we’ve learnt from this programme, and we are very appreciative.
In her message to the facilitators of the programme, Ummulkhair added, “ To the federal Government, the World Bank and other collaborative organizers, we are so appreciative because this is something that can be replicated in various parts of Africa and the world and will help us go a long way in changing the global vision we have for our world, and so I would say it’s a step in the right direction.
Speaking on the theme, “Drivers of Change” in Minna, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Professor S.A. Shomkegh, who was represented by Mr. Daniel Laka charged graduands to courageously apply the knowledge and skills gained in the course of the training in order to drive the needed positive change.
Speaking on the same topic in Ilorin, the Examination Officer of Social Standards, Dr, Hephziba Obekpa charged the graduands to be committed to promoting best practices by upholding integrity, professionalism, and patriotism. According to her, improving the quality of life of the people, as well as contributing to reducing the incidences of corruption and mismanagement of public resources, were the core responsibilities of the ordained agents of change.
The speakers called on the graduands to sustain the already established relationship by responding to inquiries emanating from the Centre and other implementing agencies, saying, the training was the beginning of a symbiotic, lifelong journey.
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Professor Faruk Adam Kuta, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Uno E. Uno praised the World Bank for the initiative and CIPESS management for seamlessly implementing the project across the north central region of Nigeria. Professor Uno enjoined the graduands to apply the knowledge to add value to themselves and society.
The State Training Coordinator, Niger State, Professor, Israel Olayemi praised the camaraderie between the management of FUT, Minna, CIPESS team, facilitators, data officers and other support staff which according to him facilitated the success of the programme in Minna, Niger State. He called on CIPESS to sustain the partnership with FUT, Minna for the training to continue.
Earlier in a goodwill message, the representatives of the Center Leader and Director in Minna and Ilorin, Professor C.D. Tuleun and Professor Rufus Sha-Ato respectively, congratulated the graduands for the feat and commended their dedication, commitment, and hard work during the course of the training. Professor Tuleun while commending the State Training Coordinator and the entire University management for creating a conducive environment for the Programme to thrive urged participants to put to practice the knowledge acquired towards curtailing ill practices in their places of work.
The valedictory events witnessed the presentation of certificates to graduands.
