IPESS, JOSTUM, FUTMinna Commence Two-Week Training on Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards

The Institute of Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards, IPESS, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, JOSTUM, in collaboration with the Federal University of Technology Minna, FUTMinna, has commenced a two-week Track A short course on Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards.  

The training, designed for staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, at federal and state levels, began with an orientation on Monday, 31st August 2026, at the CPES Hall, Bosso Campus, FUT, Minna.  

Speaking at the event, the Centre Leader and Director, IPESS, Prof. Lami A. Nnamoun, represented by the Deputy Centre Leader, Procurement Standards, Prof. Simon T. Kpelai, said the programme had been extended for another three years due to its significant impact on the public and private sectors.  

He noted that strengthening professional capacity in both sectors would improve service delivery and contribute to national development.  

Prof. Kpelai appreciated the Federal Government, World Bank, FUTMinna, facilitators, participants and other stakeholders for their support, and urged participants to take full advantage of the training.  

The Academic Programme Coordinator, Dr. Peter Tsue, said the programme was introduced to strengthen Nigeria’s procurement system and improve capacity in environmental and social standards. He added that Nigeria’s vast development potential could only be fully realised through a competent and professional workforce.  

According to him, strong social standards promote good governance, improve project outcomes and build public trust, while effective environmental standards are essential for sustainable development.  

Dr. Tsue also identified procurement as an area vulnerable to corruption, stressing the need for professionalism, competence and strict adherence to established standards.  

Speaking virtually, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Prof. Simon A. Shomkegh, explained that the short courses were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to become professionals in their respective areas.  

He added that certification would be provided by relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement for Procurement Standards, the Ministry of Environment for Environmental Standards, and the Ministry of Women Affairs for Social Standards.  

The Director-General, Niger State Procurement Board, Mallam Abubakar Danjuma Mohammed, commended the Federal Government, World Bank and organizers for the training opportunity. He said the programme would strengthen procurement practices and related professional standards in Niger State, and urged participants to remain focused and share knowledge.  

Delivering the message of the Vice-Chancellor, FUTMinna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the State Training Coordinator and Director, DCAL, FUTMinna, Prof. Israel K. Olayemi, assured participants of the University’s full support for the programme and future collaborations.  

Prof. Olayemi expressed satisfaction with the partnership between FUTMinna and JOSTUM, noting that the collaboration had facilitated the training of hundreds of participants. He urged participants to take the training seriously and thanked the managements of FUTMinna and JOSTUM, the World Bank, NUC and participating federal and state MDAs for their support.  

Also present at the orientation was the State Coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Mr. Egigogo Aliyu Muhammad.