ENCOMIUMS AS IPESS JOSTUM GRADUATES TRAINEES IN LAFIA, KEFFI AND JOS
Participants drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across Nasarawa and Plateau States have received certificates of participation for the bespoke short executive course training organized by the Institute of Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (IPESS), Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM)
The trainees received the certificates for the customized training on 7th May 2025 in the areas of procurement, environmental and social standards in Keffi, Jos and Lafia respectively.
In Lafia, Kuje Iliya Mamman expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for initiating the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project and IPESS JOSTUM for effectively coordinating the delivery of the programme. Kuje stated that the training has transformed his perception about life and living and would go a long in effecting the desired change the society is yearning for. According to him, understanding and embracing social standards can foster a more inclusive, respectful and productive workplace - improving the overall well-being and achieving greater success in our communities. The representative of the Social Standard Cohorts 3 & 4 classes Lafia, while urging his fellow participants to continue to seek avenues to upgrade their knowledge also stated his resolve to share his experience to benefit others. “This training is just the first step in our journey to becoming social standard champions. I encourage you to continue learning, sharing your insights, and applying what you've learned in your daily routines. We will continue to provide ongoing support and resources, including sharing of our training materials, facilitate where necessary, open discussions both offline and online, and encourage mentorship programmes.”
He enjoined them to apply the knowledge and skills gained to better their workplaces and beyond as this will build stronger relationships. Let's make a conscious effort to apply these principles in our daily interactions, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout our organization and beyond. By embracing social standards, we can build stronger relationships, improve teamwork, and create a more inclusive and equitable workplace/community.
In separate speeches the representatives of the environmental, and procurement standards’ classes in Jos and Keffi, Wuyep Ayuba Vondul and Oyeyemi Michael respectively commended the management of Institute of Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (IPESS), led by the Center Leader and Director, Prof. Lami A. Nnamonu for championing the course of human capacity building in the north central region of Nigeria.
The participants stated that they had acquired more knowledge than imagined and called for the sustainability of the project. Oyeyemi Michael of procurement standards, Keffi cohort 4 class maintained that, participating in the programme has opened his eyes to various aspects in the procurement sphere and the take aways of the training will serve as an elixir to sharp practices perpetrated through an act of commission or omission in the procurement arena. Wuyep Ayuba Vondul on his part appreciated the sponsors of the programme and further assured of his resolve to put to practice the knowledge he acquired, “ We all lack words to express our heartfelt gratitude to the World Bank, Federal Government of Nigeria and Plateau State Government for giving us the platform that has transform our lives into change agents to our MDAs, Communities and Families using SPESSE project. We assure you that we are going to put to use what we learned in our work places, communities and families” Wuyep stated.
Delivering presentations in Lafia, Keffi and Jos, Dr Evelyn Oraka, Patricia Kuma Tabe, and Paul Madina who spoke on the topic, “Drivers of Change” charged the graduands to make a difference by applying the knowledge and skills gained to drive the needed positive change. The presenters noted that though a positive change may seem impossible in and unfavourable environment, courage and commitment should be deployed to drive the process, adding that a positive change is possible through men and women of courage with a firm belief in human dignity and prosperity. According to them, as change agents, graduands were expected to be committed to promoting best practices by upholding integrity, professionalism, and patriotism as well as contribute to reducing the incidences of corruption and mismanagement of public resources. Patricia Tabe further called on the graduands to sustain the already established relationship and seek more learning opportunities at the institute and most importantly remain steadfast in the quest to becoming professional in their chosen areas.
Earlier, while delivering the goodwill message in Keffi, the Center Leader and Director, Professor Lami A. Nnamonu on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, JOSTUM, Engr Professor I.N. Itodo thanked the Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman for sustaining the partnership between IPESS JOSTUM and NSUK. She congratulated the graduands for attaining the feat and urged them to uphold the experience and cherish their certificates as they could change their status. The Center Director who was represented by the Deputy Center Leader of Procurement Standards, Professor S.T. Kpelai stated that, by the virtue of the training, participants have become the ambassadors of the Institute and actions henceforth must reflect the core values of the training.
Professor A.A. Naswem, Deputy Center Leader of Social Standards and Professor Rufus Sha-Ato, Deputy Center Leader of Environmental Standards while delivering the goodwill on behalf of the Center Leader and Director in Lafia and Jos respectively commended the graduands for their dedication and commitment during the cause of the programme. The Deputy Center Leaders again charged the graduands to apply the skills and knowledge gained to improve their workplaces and the society for the benefit of mankind.
Delivering the vote of thanks in Keffi, the State training Coordinator, Nasarawa State, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura expressed gratitude to the management of IPESS JOSTUM for sustaining a formidable partnership with NSUK and aslo thanked the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman for providing an enabling environment for the Partnership to thrive. Professor Dandaura congratulated the graduands and urged them to spread the news of the training and encourage their colleagues to enrol and get trained by IPESS JOSTUM.