By Amina Ahmad Aminu (Communication Officer, SPESSECE ABU Zaria)
In today’s globalized world, exposure to international best practices is essential for any institution seeking to be at the forefront of its chosen area of specialization. SPESSECE ABU Zaria has embraced this vision wholeheartedly by partnering with renowned international organizations to provide their staff with cutting-edge training and global perspectives. SPESSECE allows and even foot the bills for members to partake in workshops, seminars, and certification programs, where employees are able to learn directly from global experts on different areas including sustainable project management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Procurement management, corporate communications, and human resources (HR) development, among others.
These international experiences allow SPESSECE staff to exchange ideas with professionals from diverse backgrounds, gaining insights into how other countries address similar challenges, especially procurement practices, environmental solutions and social development. Staff members return with new perspectives and refined skills, which they apply to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of SPESSECE’s programs by bringing innovative solutions back to Nigeria and ensuring that SPESSE projects meet global standards in sustainability and social impact.
What makes SPESSE-CE ABU unique is its interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, leading the charge through impactful training sessions that are reshaping the fabric of sustainability in Procurement Management. The Centre took the drive to conduct a series of Advanced Certificate training in Procurement Management in Katsina and Kano States of Nigeria. The training programs were designed to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of sustainable procurement. Participants were empowered to integrate environmental and social considerations into every stage of the procurement process, from supplier selection to contract management.
In the same vein, SPESSECE organized a five day Executive Short Courses for the staff of the Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) of the world Bank.The training comprised of various Environmental Safeguard Officers and Specialists from different states including Adamawa, Yobe, Maiduguri, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
SPESSECE recognize that environmental and social issues are deeply interconnected, which makes training programs of the Centre address the intersectionality of the key study areas and challenges, fostering holistic solutions that promote both environmental conservation and social equity. As SPESSE-CE ABU continues to expand its training frontiers across the Northwest region, the ripple effects of its initiatives have already begun to be felt far and wide.
SPESSECE has recently completed a significant renovation project aimed at improving classroom facilities in its hosting departments including Sociology, Urban and Regional Planning, Water Resources, Geography, Botany and Quantity surveying. The initiative is part of SPESSECE’s ongoing commitment to fostering a world-class learning environment that aligns with its core mission of promoting sustainable procurement, environmental and social standards. The renovated classrooms are now equipped with modern amenities, including advanced audio-visual equipment, ergonomic seating, and energy-efficient lighting, all designed to create a conducive learning atmosphere. This underscores SPESSECE’s dedication to supporting quality education and capacity building in Nigeria and reinforces its role as a leader in setting benchmarks for sustainable development within the academic community.
SPESSECE ABU Zaria’s commitment to empowering its key stakeholders through diverse training opportunities exemplifies how organizations can foster sustainable development from within and outside. SPESSECE not only strengthens its capacity to deliver high-quality programs but also ensures that its staff members are prepared to tackle future challenges in Nigeria and beyond.