By Amina Ahmad Aminu
Communications Officer, SPESSE, ABU Zaria
In a sustained effort to enhance professionalism in procurement, environmental stewardship, and social standards, the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has continued to roll out transformative training programmes across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Centre, which recently conducted a series of intensive capacity-building sessions in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Abuja, stated that it is equipping stakeholders with the tools to drive ethical, inclusive, and environmentally responsible practices in public service, as a core mandate to promote sustainable governance and institutional development.
Speaking at the Katsina training, the Centre Leader, Professor Wisdom Japhet, expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout of participants, noting that the outreach is not just a training program but a movement towards building a more inclusive and accountable future.
“SPESSECE is proud to be part of this transformative initiative that seeks to build a new generation of professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable procurement practices and uphold environmental and social standards in line with global best practices,” he said.
The training coordinator, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad, emphasised the Centre’s commitment to capacity building and contributing meaningfully to institutional and national development.
At the Kano Centre, participants completed Track A (Short Executive Course), focusing on Procurement Management, Sustainable Environmental Studies, and Social Development. The sessions targeted professionals across key sectors, offering them hands-on knowledge in regulatory compliance and sustainability.
Similarly, the Katsina Centre hosted its Track A programme, highlighting transparency, accountability, and eco-friendly practices in public procurement. Participants gained practical insight into ways of imbibing sustainability in government operations.
In Abuja, the Centre conducted both Track A and B Advanced Certificate Courses, which attracted procurement officers, policymakers, and project managers. Different sessions examined international best practices and the application of value-for-money principles in procurement reforms.
The Jigawa Centre conducted Track B training in Social Development, with a strong emphasis on social inclusion, gender equity, and community engagement. The programme brought together actors from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to foster dialogue around human-centred development and sustainable policy implementation.
Through these impactful training interventions, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria continues to champion professional excellence and institutional resilience, driving a culture of accountability and sustainability across Nigeria’s public service sector.
