Spesse-ABU

SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria Trains Officers on Sustainable Procurement Management.

The opening ceremony was graced by the Center Director, Prof. W. S. Japhet, who delivered the welcome address where he emphasized the critical role of specialized training in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public and private sector resource management. ​Prof. I.M Yusuf also provided a comprehensive technical brief on the workshop.

The event was also attended by key members of the Centre's leadership including:
​Engr. Dr. Lawal Salisu (Centre Coordinator),
​Mr. Paul Osazuwa (SPESSE-CE Accountant), and ​Bldr. Adekoya (Resource Person) representing the team of industry experts who facilitates the technical sessions.

Following this inaugural procurement training, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria will roll out subsequent modules in Environmental and Social Standards. These sessions are scheduled to run concurrently and sequentially until the end of 2026, ensuring a steady pipeline of certified professionals ready to tackle sustainability challenges.

The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE) at Ahmadu Bello University is a World Bank-supported initiative. It is committed to providing sustainable, high-quality training and research to enhance professional standards in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

SPESSE-CE ,

ABU Zaria Center Holds Capacity Building Training For Public, Private Sector Professionals The need to strengthen the capacity of professionals in sustainable procurement practices as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and env...

SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria Commences 2026 Training Calendar with Advanced Certificate in Procurement Management
By
Amina Ahmad Aminu
Communications Officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria

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.

As we celebrate Eid, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria extends warm greetings to our partners, students, stakeholders, and the wider community.

We remain dedicated to building capacity, advancing knowledge, and driving impactful change for a more sustainable future.

Eid Mubarak.

🌟 Driving Excellence in Sustainable Development! 🌟

​Are you ready to lead the future of professional standards?

​At SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria, we aren't just teaching; we are transforming. As a World Bank-supported Centre of Excellence, SPESSE-CE is the premier hub for building high-level capacity in:
​✅ Sustainable Procurement Management
​✅ Sustainable Environmental Studies
​✅ Sustainable Social Development

​SPESSE-CE bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice, empowering professionals to manage resources efficiently and protect the environment for generations to come. 🌍✨

​Whether you are looking to upskill your career or partner with a center committed to global best practices, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria is where innovation meets impact.

​📍 Visit us at ABU Zaria and join the league of experts shaping Nigeria’s sustainable future!

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SPESSE-CE ABU Celebrates Excellence in Staff Dedication
Amina Ahmad Aminu
Communications Officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria

Success is rarely a solo act; it is the symphony of a dedicated team working in harmony. This was the core message today, the 27th of January, 2026 as the Centre Leader of the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Centre of Excellence (SPESSECE), Prof. W.S. Japhet hosted a special appreciation meeting for the staff. The gathering served as a heartfelt appreciation to the professionals whose unwavering dedication ensured that 2025 was not just a productive year, but a transformative one for the Centre.

To highlight SPESSEC's culture of excellence, the Centre Leader reiterated the significance of effective communication in any organisation. He emphasised that members should only disperse correct and appropriate information whenever the need arises, and in the event of an unsure response, there is a need to refer to the proper channel of communication. This will go a long way in mitigating any misinformation and speculation about the centre.

​This moment of gratitude was not just a closing chapter on a successful year, but a powerful catalyst for the journey ahead. With a strengthened sense of purpose and a unified spirit, the team is now poised to reach even greater heights in it's mission to drive sustainable standards and professional excellence.

New Year, New Living Spaces! SPESSE-CE ABU Officially Handover Renovated Hostel Extensions to End Users.

​Yesterday, January 9th, 2025, marked a major milestone for student welfare at ABU Zaria as the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE) officially handed over newly renovated hostel facilities. 🏗️✨. This is exciting news for the Ahmadu Bello University community! 🎊

In a seamless transition from the contractors to the consultants, and through the university management to the final student users, SPESSE-CE is proud to announce that Extensions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 at Usman Danfodio hostel are now officially completed and ready for occupation! 🔑

​This renovation project is an indication of SPESSE-CE ABU's devotion to providing a conducive, modern, and comfortable living environment for all students. While the majority of the blocks are now open, the final touches are being applied to Extensions 1 and 2, which are scheduled for handover by next week to complete the full transformation.

​Join us in celebrating this achievement as we look forward to seeing our students thrive in these elevated spaces. Excellence begins with a great place to call home! 🏛️📖

​

As the year draws to a close, the Management and Staff of the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, wish to express our profound gratitude to our staff, students, partners, and all stakeholders.

2025 has been one of significant growth in our mission to bridge the professional and manpower gaps in Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards. Your commitment to excellence and sustainability has been the driving force behind our accomplishment.

​We wish you a Merry Christmas 🎄 🥳 and a prosperous, productive New Year 🎊. May 2026 bring fresh opportunities for collaboration and human capital development.

Empowerment through collaboration! 🤝

We are proud to announce the successful completion of a 5-day Executive Workshop hosted by the SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria in collaboration with Ecobalance konsulting Services limited on Sustainable Social Development.

The training was held at King City Hotel, Kano with ​140 participants from both the public and private sectors of Nigeria. These participants are now equipped to lead Nigeria’s sustainable development journey.

As the participants return to their respective organizations, they do so well prepared with new skills to advocate social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

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From Katsina to Sokoto, Jigawa to Kano, Abuja to Nassarawa, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria has been busy rolling out transformative capacity-building trainings. These training sessions are preparing a new generation of leaders with the means to drive ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practices across the public and private sectors.

At SPESSE-CE ABU, We’re not just training; we’re building a movement toward a more transparent, accountable and sustainable future across North-northwest Nigeria. 🚀

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📢 Breaking Barriers in Development! 📢

​The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE) at ABU, Zaria, recently hosted a vital executive training on the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). Social safeguard officers from the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, representing 19 states and the FCT, participated in this intensive program.

​The GRM is an essential tool developed to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria's development sector. As SPESSE-CE ABU Centre Leader, Prof. W.S. Japhet puts it, "Proactiveness ahead of reactiveness is our mantra".

​Read the full story below to see how SPESSE-CE ABU is equipping professionals nationwide to foster trust and ensure sustainable project success! 👇

​ -PRES