By Amina Ahmad Aminu, Communications Officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria
In a landmark initiative to promote international knowledge exchange and advance sustainable development practices, the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE) at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria has taken a delegation of outstanding
postgraduate students to Ghana for a high-level training programme on
Sustainable Public Procurement.
The capacity-building training, which took place recently, brought together
participants from SPESSE-CE alongside key stakeholders from both public and private sectors. The programme was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of sustainable procurement practices in alignment with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Led by the Centre Leader, Professor Wisdom Japhet, and accompanied by the Centre’s Safeguard Officer, Professor Dauda Dahiru Danwatta, the delegation included nine students chosen for their academic excellence. Each of SPESSE-CE’s three core clusters-Procurement Management, Environmental Studies, and Social Development was represented by two Master’s students and one Postgraduate Diploma student.
The intensive training featured practical sessions, interactive discussions, and
case studies on innovative procurement strategies that promote responsible governance and environmental stewardship. The initiative is part of the SPESSE-CE’s broader commitment to nurturing professionals capable of championing sustainable change both within Nigeria and on the global stage.
Speaking during the programme, Professor Japhet underscored the significance of the
international training, noting that it aligns with the Centre’s vision of producing highly skilled and globally competitive professionals.
“This initiative equips our students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical tools and cross-cultural perspectives critical to addressing today’s complex procurement and sustainability challenges,” he said.
The student coordinator, Mr. Ishaq, commended the quality of the training and
highlighted the value of international exposure. He remarked that the collaborative learning environment fostered regional cooperation and enhanced participants’ academic and professional capabilities.
This engagement according to the Centre Leader further reinforces the SPESSE-CE’s
role as a trailblazer in advancing sustainable procurement through academic excellence, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
