Spesse-ABU

01/08/2026

Every successful training leaves behind more than certificates. It leaves behind new knowledge, stronger professional networks, and a renewed commitment to making a difference.

As we draw the curtain on the five day Executive Workshop on Sustainable Social Standards held in Dutse from 19th to 24th July, participants reflected on their learning experience while the SPESSE-CE ABU Outstation Training Coordinator, Engr. Lawal Salisu, expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.

Together, we are building the capacity of professionals to promote sustainable social standards and support national development.

26/07/2026

SPESSE-CE ABU Concludes Five-Day Executive Workshop on Sustainable Social Standards in Dutse

By
Amina Ahmad Aminu PhD
Communications Officer SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria

The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has successfully concluded a five-day Executive Workshop on Sustainable Social Standards held at MTown hotels and suites, Dutse, Jigawa State, from 19 to 24 July 2026.

The workshop brought together professionals from the public and private sectors to strengthen their knowledge and practical understanding of social standards, with emphasis on promoting inclusive, responsible and sustainable development. Throughout the training, participants engaged in interactive sessions that examined key issues in social risk management, stakeholder engagement, land acquisition framework, labour and working conditions, critical community health and safety principles, social inclusion, Grievance redress mechanisms and the application of national and international social standards in development projects.

In his closing remarks, the SPESSE-CE ABU Outstation Training Coordinator, Engr. Lawal Salisu, expressed appreciation to the participants for their commitment, active participation and enthusiasm throughout the five-day programme. He encouraged them to put the knowledge and skills acquired into practice and become advocates of sustainable social standards within their organisations and communities. "knowledge acquired is only as impactful as its implementation", he said.

While giving feedback at the ceremony, Abdulsalam Musa Bashir, a visually impaired participant described the workshop as timely, practical and highly relevant to their professional responsibilities. Abdulsalam saw the training as an effort to promote inclusivity. "we are so glad that there is no room for discrimination or downplay from participants of this program" he added.

Another participant named Falilat Olatoro Sotayo expressed delight and enthusiasm stating that the sessions deepened participants understanding of social standards and provided practical tools that would enhance decision-making, improve project implementation and strengthen compliance with environmental and social safeguards in their respective organisations. She also commended the quality of facilitation and the opportunity to exchange experiences with professionals from different sectors.

Underscoring the strategic role of continuous capacity building, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Jigawa State, Dr. Nura Ibrahim Kazaure, commended SPESSE-CE ABU for providing accessible, world-class training opportunities. He urged participants and public officials across the region to fully capitalize on the Centre's tuition-free tracks up to the Master’s degree level to drive sustainable development across Nigeria.

The event was also attended by the SPESSE-CE's Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Prof. Folashade Bosede Okeshola, Communications Officer, Dr Amina Ahmad Aminu, Assistant ICT Officer, Mal Salisu, Mohammed Lawal and Prof. Muhammad Musa Bako.

The workshop forms part of SPESSE-CE ABU's ongoing efforts to equip professionals with the competencies required to promote sustainable development and strengthen the implementation of environmental and social standards across the country.

30/06/2026

SPESSE-CE ABU Marks the Successful Completion of Phase One with Renewed Commitment for the Next Chapter
By

Amina Ahmad Aminu
Communications Officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria

Today, 30th June 2026 will remain a memorable date in the history of the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It marks the successful completion of the first phase of the SPESSE Project, a journey defined by hard work, resilience, collaboration and a shared commitment to building capacity in sustainable procurement management, environmental and social standards in Nigeria.

The gathering became even more significant following the recent SPESSE Mission in Abuja from the 1st to 3rd June, 2026 where additional funding was approved to support the next phase of the project. This development marked a strong endorsement of the progress made by the SPESSE Centres of Excellence and a clear indication that the vision behind the project continues to receive the confidence of its partners.

To celebrate this milestone, the Centre Leader of SPESSE-CE ABU, Prof. Wisdom S. Japhet brought staff members together in an atmosphere of appreciation and reflection. Rather than simply marking the end of one phase, the gathering recognised the people whose daily commitment, professionalism and teamwork have shaped the SPESSE-CE's success from its inception.

Addressing members of staff, Prof. Japhet began by thanking every unit and every individual for their contributions, noting that the achievements recorded over the years were made possible because of a collective belief in the SPESSE-CE vision. He solicited continued cooperation and encouraged staff to maintain the same spirit of dedication as the Centre prepares to begin a new phase with even greater opportunities to make an impact.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for colleagues to interact in a relaxed setting, celebrate shared accomplishments and renew the strong working relationships that have become one of the Centre's greatest strengths. It was a reminder that behind every successful project is a team of committed people working quietly and consistently towards a common goal.

The project accountant, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya enlightened staff about the new financial rules governing the second phase of the project. This was also expatiated by the Finance Officer, Mr Paul Osazuwa who emphasised the need for updated and timely retirement of all financial benefits. The assistant Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Prof. A. D Abdulaziz, on behalf of the staff, appreciated and commended the Centre leader for his inclusive leadership and the cordial relationship he shares with the staff of the Centre.

As the Centre celebrated this achievement, it also paused to pray for and honour the memory of its late Centre Leader, Prof. Mohammed Bello Yunusa, whose vision and commitment helped lay the foundation for what SPESSE-CE has become today. As a member of the committee that developed the winning proposal for the SPESSE Project, Prof. Yunusa played a significant role in bringing the Centre to life. His leadership during the early stages of implementation provided direction and inspiration, while his unwavering belief in academic excellence and institutional development continues to guide the Centre. "Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the achievements being celebrated today and in the many lives that the Centre continues to impact" said Prof. Japhet.

The completion of the first phase is therefore more than a project milestone. It is a celebration of vision, sacrifice and teamwork. It reflects the efforts of present and past leaders, members of staff, partners and stakeholders who have each contributed to the Centre's remarkable journey.

As SPESSE-CE enters its next phase, the Centre remains firmly committed to delivering high-quality training, impactful research and meaningful engagement that will continue to strengthen sustainable procurement, environmental and social standards in Nigeria and across the Northwest region.

With the renewed funding, renewed energy and a shared sense of purpose, SPESSE-CE looks forward to the next chapter with confidence and determination to build on the strong foundation that has been laid and to continue making a lasting contribution to national development.

-CE #

27/06/2026

World Bank, NUC Commends SPESSE-CE for Compliance with the Environmental and Social Safeguards requirements
By
Amina Ahmad Aminu, PhD
Communications Officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria

The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, welcomed a delegation from the World Bank and the National Universities Commission (NUC) as part of an Environmental and Social Safeguards Audit exercise from 7th to 9th June, 2026.

The exercise was aimed at assessing SPESSE-CE's compliance, sustainability, and institutional effectiveness within the SPESSE programme.

The visit formed part of collective ongoing efforts to ensure that Centres of Excellence operating under the SPESSE project continue to uphold the environmental, social, labour, and occupational health and safety standards established under the World Bank-supported initiative.

The team comprised two World Bank consultants namely: Mr Ahmad Abdullahi Maikano and his counterpart Mrs Rejoice Mebo, alongside two NUC delegates namely: Mrs Amuche Ekwueme and Mr Babatunde Akinyemi respectively.

During the exercise, the delegation engaged with the SPESSE-CE's Centre Leader, Prof Wisdom .S Japhet, the Safeguard Officer, Prof D. D Danwatta, the Gender Officer, Prof C. K Akpa and other relevant stakeholders. The audit involved a comprehensive review of key safeguard documents, implementation records, stakeholder engagement processes, grievance redress mechanisms, and occupational health and safety practices of the project.

Speaking during his welcome address, SPESSE-CE's Centre Leader, Prof W.S. Japhet reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion in the implementation of its programmes and activities.

At the end of the exercise, the World Bank and NUC delegation commended SPESSE-CE's cooperation and hospitality throughout the audit process and emphasised the importance of continuous compliance with safeguard requirements as a critical component of sustainable project implementation.

As the SPESSE-CE continues to advance its mandate, such engagements provide valuable opportunities for reflection, learning, and continuous improvement, ensuring that SPESSE-CE ABU remains a model of best practice in the delivery of World Bank-supported programmes.

27/06/2026

ABU Vice-Chancellor, SPESSE-CE Director Spearhead Historic Pact with Gambian University to Elevate West African Procurement Standards
By

Amina Ahmad Aminu, PhD
Communications Officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria

In a historic diplomatic and academic milestone, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, and the Centre Leader of the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE), Professor Wisdom Japhet, have successfully negotiated a comprehensive partnership framework with the University of Education, The Gambia, to elevate procurement and social safeguard standards across West Africa.

The international pact was solidified on Thursday, 25th June, 2026, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the ABU main campus in Zaria. The Gambian institution’s delegation was led by its own Vice-Chancellor, who shares the same name as his Nigerian counterpart, Professor Adamu Ahmed, a remarkable twist of coincidence that added a unique warmth to the high-profile ceremony.

Under the strategic vision of Professor Wisdom Japhet, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria is set to serve as the primary engine driving the implementation of this trans-continental agreement, positioning the Centre as a premier regional hub for sustainable development. SPESSE-CE has targeted the partnership directly at aggressive capacity building, sustainable resource management, and advanced professional training in procurement management, environmental and social standards.

The driving force behind this collaborative framework relies heavily on joint human capital investment. The agreement commits both institutions to an immediate exchange of academic and professional staff for high-level teaching, research, and professional development, alongside the joint delivery of specialised lectures, seminars, and international workshops.

Additionally, the pact opens new pathways for student mobility, which allows undergraduate and postgraduate students to cross borders for advanced study, internships, and fieldwork that focuses on modern procurement ethics and environmental regulations.

A central pillar of the initiative is the joint design and ex*****on of executive courses and tailored professional training programs specifically engineered for public and private sector practitioners who manage large-scale procurement portfolios. To support this practical training, the universities will also launch collaborative research projects, share institutional best practices, and host joint policy dialogues to align regional procurement rules with international standards.

Recognising the immediate potential of this alliance, the ABU Vice-Chancellor further expanded the scope of cooperation on the same day by signing a secondary agreement through the ABU Distance Learning Centre, establishing frameworks for cross-border e-tutoring and distance examinations.

The institutional weight of the agreement was underscored by the heavy presence of ABU’s top administrative brass, who witnessed the historic signing of the MoU. Among the university leaders in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Professor Bello Sabo; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Raymond B. Bako; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Advancement, Research, and Innovation, Professor Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi; and the Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila.

Combining institutional strengths through this strategic alliance enables both universities to build a robust cadre of certified practitioners capable of modernising public and private sector procurement practices across sub-Saharan Africa.

28/05/2026

As we celebrate Eid al-Adha, the SPESSE-CE ABU family extends warm wishes of peace, joy sacrifice, and compassion to you and your loved ones ✨

Eid Mubarak from all of us at SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria 🌙

22/05/2026

Be Ambassadors in Saving the Environment, Says Vice Chancellor
by
Amina Ahmad Aminu
Communications officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed paid an unprecedented visit on Wednesday, 13th May, 2026, to the participants of the ongoing Advanced Certificate Course in Sustainable Environmental Studies taking place at the Abuja outstation venue. The training is one of the many batches conducted by the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSE-CE), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

During his interaction with the participants, Professor Ahmed began by commending both the resource persons and the participants for their dedication, emphasising that the specialised knowledge being generated through SPESSE-CE is critical to addressing contemporary developmental challenges in Nigeria. "We see very positive results all the time from your tutors"' he said.

Professor Ahmed urged the participants to be mindful of the environment, saying that "the environment is everything and must be managed well". He further advised the participants to complement their training experience alongside Procurement management and social development courses of the SPESSE-CE to have an impactful experience. "We look forward to you being the ambassadors in saving the environment". he stated.

Professor Ahmed concluded by congratulating the students for being part of the unique SPESSE capacity-building programmes in Nigeria and prompted them to take full advantage of the great opportunities of the training.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by SPESSE-CE Centre Leader, Professor Wisdom S. Japhet and Dr Mukhtar Ibrahim (the resource person). Professor Japhet expressed immense gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for taking the time to visit the training site, describing the move as a powerful validation of the Centre's mandate. Professor Japhet said to the participants "Count yourselves lucky for having the Vice Chancellor visit today".

The visit concluded with a brief interactive session, allowing the leadership to witness firsthand the impact of the curriculum and the high level of engagement from the participants, further solidifying SPESSE-CE's position as a pioneer in sustainable institutional capacity building.

The visit marks a significant first in the history of the Centre, as it represents the very first time the Vice-Chancellor has personally travelled to inspect and engage with participants at one of SPESSE-CE’s outstation training venues.

The presence of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ahmed, as the top university leadership and the Centre Leader, Professor Japhet served as a major morale booster for the participants, who are undergoing the rigorous environmental studies training designed to equip them with cutting-edge skills in environmental sustainability, impact assessment, and resource management.

#

17/05/2026

15/05/2026

The SPESSE Project Secures Additional Funding by the World Bank
By
Amina Ahmad Aminu
Communication Officer, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria.

The landscape of Nigerian public service reached a significant turning point as the Federal Government officially signed off on additional funding for the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project. The signing ceremony began with a pre-mission event held on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026 at Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja.

Present at the occasion were teams from the World Bank and NUC, including the World Bank SPESSE Task Team Lead (TTL), Ishtiak Siddique, and the National Coordinator of the SPESSE project and Director, Special Projects of the NUC, Dr Joshua Atah.

Also present were the Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello Uuniversity Zaria, Prof Adamu Ahmed, alongside other Vice Chancellors of the Universities where the Centres of Excellence were established, SPESSE-CE ABU, Center Leader, Prof W.S Japhet, Deputy Center leaders, project accountants and procurement officers.

With this new phase of funding, SPESSE-CE ABU Zaria will accelerate its efforts to enhance its academic curricula and provide intensive professional certification for both civil servants and private sectors. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every naira spent on Nigerian infrastructure is backed by rigorous standardised procurement which is expected to save the nation billions by reducing project delays and administrative leakages, while simultaneously making the country a more attractive destination for foreign investment.
​

The new financing extends the project’s timeline to June 2029 and supports expanded reforms in procurement, environmental, and social standards. This milestone is more than just a financial transaction; it is a profound commitment to transparency and the professionalisation of the Nigerian workforce.

#

14/05/2026