ABU Zaria SPESSE-CE Kicks Off 2026 Training Calendar with Advanced Procurement Management Programme

The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, officially ushered in its 2026 training cycle today, the 23rd of March, with a colourful opening ceremony for the Advanced Certificate training in Procurement Management.

The event which was held at the Exclusive Serene Hotel in Abuja marks the first in a comprehensive series of professional development programs slated for the year, signalling a robust commitment by the Centre to enhance the nation’s workforce in critical governance sectors.

​The ceremony commenced with an insightful welcome address by the Centre Director, Prof. W. S. Japhet, who emphasised that the procurement workshop is merely the beginning of a year-long educational roadmap. He informed the gathering that the Centre is prepared to deliver a continuous stream of specialised training across its three core clusters—Procurement Management, Environmental Studies, and Social Development—running through to the end of 2026. "This strategic rollout is designed to ensure a steady pipeline of certified professionals capable of implementing global best practices within the Nigerian landscape" he said. Prof Japhet further reiterated SPESSE-CE's commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and sustainable procurement practices.

​Providing a technical foundation for the trainees, Prof. Maikudi Yusuf shared a detailed brief on the workshop’s objectives, highlighting the training curriculum’s focus on practical application and contemporary industry challenges. He stated that SPESSE-CE draws facilitators from both academia and industry because a blend of industry professionals with academic scholarship is necessary to equip the participants with a robust training exercise. The ceremony also benefited from the presence of key administrative leadership, including the SPESSE-CE Accountant, Mr Paul Osazuwa, and a prominent resource person, Mr Bldr. Adekoya, who both stood as representatives of the high-calibre team dedicated to the program’s success.

​As the ceremony drew to a close, the Centre Coordinator, Engr. (Dr) Lawal Salisu, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed profound appreciation to the university management and the participants for their trust in SPESSE-CE's vision. With the 2026 calendar now officially active, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria reaffirms its status as a premier hub for the professionalisation of sustainable standards, inviting stakeholders across the public and private sectors to engage with the upcoming environmental and social cluster trainings scheduled for the months ahead.