Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy

Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards

GENDER AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT

CIPESS as a centre of excellence in FUAM seeks to provide an atmosphere of work and study in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is to this end as part of gender and social development, a sexual harassment policy has been put in place. The Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy will be made available to students and employees in various forms; especially on the website of CIPESS and other avenues. The concept of sexual harassment is well defined in the policy.

These measures are in place to guarantee the creation and maintenance of an environment that provides an atmosphere of work and study in which all employees and students of the Centre are treated with respect and dignity regardless of gender. Thereby, making the environment a safe place for everyone.

GENDER AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Center defines sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct as follows:

(a) Sexual Harassment: This is defined as an unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature including unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favours and other verbal, non-verbal, written, electronic, graphic or physical conduct or behaviour of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, academic standing or participation in an educational Program or activity; or

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions or for academic evaluation, grades or advancement affecting that individual; or

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or working environment.

(b) Other forms of sexual misconduct: In addition to sexual harassment, other forms of sexual misconduct include the following:

• Sexual or amorous behaviour with students or subordinates,

• Staff exploiting relationships with subordinate staff or students for sexual ends,

• Staff conferring undue favours to influence subordinate staff or students to yield to sexual desires,

• Sexual abuse,

• Sexual assault,

• Sexually exploitative and degrading behaviour,

• Retaliatory and abusive behaviour directed towards either former relationship partners or individuals who have rejected the sexual advances of another

• Sexual intimidation.

For the purpose of this policy, sexual harassment shall be defined to include acts or behaviour constituting sexual abuse and sexual assault which occur within the definitional scope of CIPESS' policy in relation to members of FUAM community, her visitors and partners.

The University Council of FUAM will have the overall responsibility of ensuring that the University complies with the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy of the Center. It includes ensuring that:

The Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy will not be the only document that indicates that FUAM seeks to provide an atmosphere of work and study in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The principles of the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy would be referenced and put into specific action in other University documents such as the University Statutes, Strategic Plan, Student Handbooks, Conditions of Service, Code of Conduct and other policies and regulations (and in particular, the Gender Policy).

The Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy will be made available to students and employees in various forms; as a handout at orientation Programs for these groups and on the general FUAM website and website of CIPESS, on strategically placed bill boards, among others. Measures are in place to guarantee the creation and maintenance of an environment that provides an atmosphere of work and study in which all employees and students of the University are treated with respect and dignity regardless of gender.

An effective institutional framework on sexual harassment and misconduct is established. All policies, statutes and regulations of the University are in compliance with the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy.

Reports of findings and recommendations of the Anti-Sexual harassment Committee of CIPESS are received and the recommendations are acted upon promptly.

I. Membership

The Committee shall be composed of a maximum of ten (10) persons nominated from CIPESS faculty and other members of the University community, comprising of the following; The Center Leader/Director, The Deputy Center Leaders/Directors, Director of Gender Studies, FUAM, the Centre Legal Officer, Guidance Counsellor FUAM, Representative of FUAM Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), competent external members from other colleges may also be nominated to serve on the Committee as ex-officio members, or to act as technical advisers. All members of the Committee shall have high credibility, gender sensitivity and technical competence to handle grievance redress procedures. II. Responsibilities

The Committee shall address sexual harassment and sexual misconduct issues relating to CIPESS by:

(a) Planning and implementing the Center’s education and training programs on sexual harassment and misconduct. The programs should include wide dissemination of this policy; providing educational materials to promote compliance with the policy and familiarity with local reporting procedures; and training of other University personnel who may be responsible for responding to informal reports of sexual harassment.

(b) Maintaining records of reports of sexual harassment and misconduct cases as well as actions taken in response to reports.

(c) Preparing and submitting an annual report to the Vice-Chancellor on its work.

(d) Investigating specific complaints of sexual harassment and misconduct promptly.

(e) Delineating and designing appropriate sanctions or disciplinary measures to be applied to persons who violate this Policy.

III Formal reporting

a. Procedure Reports of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct shall be brought as soon as possible after the alleged conduct occurs, optimally within one year or one semester or one quarter of the student’s CIPESS tenancy as applicable. Prompt reporting will enable the Committee to investigate the facts, determine the issues, and provide an appropriate remedy or disciplinary action.

b. Role of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee The Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee will have the following responsibilities under complaints mechanism:

Education and Training: The Committee shall plan and manage the Center's sexual harassment education and training programs. The programs will include wide dissemination of this policy; providing educational materials to promote compliance with the policy and familiarity with local reporting procedures; and training of other University personnel who may be responsible for handling informal reports of sexual harassment.

Documentation: The Committee shall maintain records of reports of sexual harassment and actions taken in response to reports, including records of investigations, voluntary resolutions, and disciplinary action, as appropriate.

Reporting: The Committee shall prepare and submit an annual report to the Vice-Chancellor on its work.

Investigation: The Committee shall deal with specific complaints of sexual harassment as an investigative body in accordance with the grievance procedures outlined under this Policy.

Sanctions/Disciplinary actions: The Committee shall delineate and design appropriate sanctions or disciplinary measures to be applied to persons who violate this Policy.

c. Rights of the complainant Any member of CIPESS who believes that he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment and/or misconduct in violation of this Policy is entitled to pursue the matter and utilize the procedures described under this Policy for redress. The complainant shall not be reprimanded, denigrated, stigmatized or discriminated against in any way for initiating an inquiry or complaint in good faith.

d. Rights of the respondent A person against whom a complaint is lodged shall be presumed innocent of that allegation unless and until there is a final finding of culpability by the Committee or an admission by that person.

e. Right to representation A complainant and a respondent in a sexual harassment or sexual misconduct matter have the right to representation by counsel.

f. Duty to Cooperate Staff and students must cooperate with the Center investigations into sexual harassment or misconduct which are conducted by the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee. Refusal to cooperate with an investigation or impedance of an investigation may result in disciplinary action.

g. Malicious accusations or unfounded complaints The Center recognizes that false accusations could have a serious impact on the reputation and integrity of individuals. As such, malicious accusations will be treated very seriously. Anyone who is found to have made a deliberately baseless or unfounded malicious complaint or allegation against another person shall be subject to formal disciplinary action under the appropriate university procedure.

The following guidelines shall apply in handling Sexual Harassment and Misconduct complaints:

(I) Informal Approach to dealing with Sexual Harassment and Misconduct

a) Where a member of the University Community feels that (s)he has been a victim of sexual harassment or misconduct, such a member may attempt to resolve the matter directly with the alleged offender by advising that the behaviour is unwelcome, must be stopped, or must not occur again.

b) A Complainant may choose to request a trusted third party to intervene on their behalf. The person who is asked to intervene may provide advice or counselling to the parties involved. This shall be on a strictly confidential basis and only on the specific request of the Complainant.

c) A Complainant may request through the Committee, that an attempt be made to resolve a sexual harassment or misconduct matter through mediation. If such a request is made, the Committee member receiving the complaint shall determine whether the Respondent is willing to engage in mediation, and, if so, a mediator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the Complainant and the Respondent. The role of the mediator is to facilitate discussion and to suggest alternative resolutions. The mediator does not investigate the complaint or assign blame. The mediator shall report the outcome of the process to the Committee member receiving the complaint. If the matter cannot be resolved, the Committee member shall advise the Complainant to file a formal complaint before the Committee.

d) In cases of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct that are considered severe or extreme, such as attempted rape, rape, sexual battery, sexual assault with a weapon and non-consensual anal copulation, a Complainant shall be counselled to report to the Police and launch a formal complaint before the Committee instead of utilizing the informal approach.

e) If a complainant chooses not to use the informal approach to deal with sexual harassment or misconduct, this shall not be used against them or affect the merits of the case when a formal complaint is launched.

II. ) Formal Approach to dealing with Sexual Harassment and Misconduct

a) A member of CIPESS; Student or faculty, who has been or is a victim of sexual harassment or misconduct, or is dissatisfied with the outcome of the informal approach shall make a formal complaint to the Committee for redress.

b) The Complainant shall present his/her grievance orally to a Committee member or a person designated by the Committee to receive such complaints. The said person shall listen to the complaint and explain the processes involved in the formal grievance procedure.

c) The purpose of the discussion is to inform and educate the Complainant. The Committee member at this stage shall not dissuade the Complainant from filing the written complaint.

d) The Complainant shall put his/her complaint in writing and lodge it with the Committee. In the case of a Complainant being unable to write, the Committee shall assist him or her to write the complaint. The written complaint shall be read out and explained in the language he/she understands after which he/she will sign or thumbprint. Recording of the Complainant’s vernacular statement may be employed to authenticate the procedure.

e) The written statement shall give details of the alleged harassing behaviour, and if possible, give details of dates, places and names of those connected with the incidents.

f) The Committee shall notify the Respondent about the matter, and request that he or she files a written statement in response to the allegations within seven days. In the case of the Respondent's inability to write, the process in sub-section (d) will apply.

g) The Adjudication Committee shall conduct verbal hearings with the Complainant and the Respondent. The parties may be present with their legal counsel. However, legal counsel shall not be permitted to speak on behalf of their clients during proceedings. All proceedings shall be recorded.

h) The Adjudication Committee shall hear the Complainant first after which the Respondent shall also be heard. The parties may cross-examine each other before the Adjudication Committee.

i) The Adjudication Committee may take testimonies of other relevant persons and witnesses where available and review the evidence.

j) The Adjudication Committee may conduct its own investigations into the matter, apart from considering the written and verbal testimonies of the parties.

k) When the complaint is made, the Committee shall take measures to pre-empt any possible retaliation.

l) A decision will be taken after careful review of the circumstances, evidence adduced, statements and all other relevant information before the Adjudication Committee. m) Any dissenting opinion among the Adjudication Committee members shall be recorded together with the reasons for the dissent.

n) Where a Respondent is found to have engaged in sexual harassment or misconduct, the appropriate sanctions shall be recommended.

(a) Evidence

The following may be considered as evidence during the hearing of the matter: • Detailed written account of the Complainant and the Respondent • Witness statements (if any) • Statements of persons with whom the Complainant might have discussed the incidents, or from whom advice may have been sought • Any other documents, audio-visual recordings, electronic communication including but not limited to e-mails, phone texts and WhatsApp or other media-assisted messaging platforms. • Expert technical advice may be sought if necessary • Medical evidence, including DNA test results, if appropriate

(b) Withdrawal of a filed complaint

A Complainant may withdraw a case filed before the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee any time after filing and during the process of the investigation. In such a case, the Complainant shall state in writing the reasons for withdrawal of the complaint and append his/her signature to the statement.

(c) Refusal of Respondent to respond to notice of filed complaint or to participate in enquiry The Adjudication Committee may go ahead and investigate a complaint even where a Respondent refuses to respond to the allegations or participate in the enquiry process.

(d) Complaints against a member of the Committee If a complaint of sexual harassment or misconduct is made against a member of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, he or she shall not be part of any of the processes of the Committee relating to the investigation of said complaint.

(e) Conflict of Interest Members of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee shall declare any interest they may have in a matter whenever a complaint is filed before the Committee.

(f) Record of Proceedings The Adjudication Committee's record of proceedings on a particular matter shall give details of the enquiry. This includes a statement of the allegations and issues, the positions of the parties, a summary of the evidence, findings of fact, and a determination by the Adjudication Committee as to whether CIPESS policy has been violated. The record shall also contain the sanctions recommended, where applicable. Other recommendations made to the parties for actions to restore or improve the relationship between the parties where no finding of guilt is made against the respondent may be included. The record may be used as evidence in other related procedures, such as subsequent complaints, grievances and/or disciplinary actions.

(g) Decision-making The investigation procedure shall be completed as promptly as possible and within 60 working days (or fraction of period stated in Section 4.9.3 c (i) depending on student’s tenancy of the date the request for formal investigation was filed. The Committee may seek an extension of time from the Vice-Chancellor with reasons where it is not possible to complete the investigation within the stated days.

(h) Sanctions The Adjudication Committee shall recommend the appropriate sanctions or punitive measures where a Respondent has been found to have engaged in behaviour that can be characterized as sexual harassment or misconduct. These sanctions include but are not limited to formal apology, leave without pay, suspension, denial of promotion, demotions, transfers and dismissals and shall be applied on a case-by-case basis. In serious and repeat cases, the Respondent shall be dismissed. These sanctions shall not operate to prejudice criminal action in the case of serious offences tantamount to crime under the Laws of Nigeria.

(i) Appeal If the Complainant or Respondent is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigations and/or the decision of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, he or she shall have a right of appeal to University Council of FUAM. The University Council shall hear and determine the appeal in accordance with the Statutes of FUAM.

(j) Non-retaliation During the process of investigation of a matter, retaliation from either party or third parties shall be monitored by the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee. An individual who is subjected to retaliation such as threats, intimidation, reprisals, or adverse employment or educational actions for having made a report of sexual harassment or misconduct in good faith, or who assisted someone with a report of sexual harassment or misconduct, or who participated in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a report of sexual harassment or misconduct, may make a report of retaliation under these procedures. The report of retaliation shall be treated as a report of sexual harassment and misconduct on its own and will be subject to the same procedures.

(k) Confidentiality The Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee shall maintain confidentiality of all matters reported to it and of the proceedings. Parties in an investigation, including their representatives shall be advised that maintaining confidentiality is essential to protect the integrity of the investigation.

(l) Referral for counselling or other psycho-social support In appropriate cases, the Committee may recommend that either party to the case seeks counselling or support from a designated institution or personnel. The Committee may, at the request of a party to the matter, refer that party to the appropriate institution or personnel for counselling or other psycho-social support.

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  • Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards North Core, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
  • +234 8066 321 522
  • cipess@uam.edu.ng

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CIPESS FUAM

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Dr Peter Tsue
Professor Adolphus Angol Naswem

Academic Programme Coordinator(Social Standards)

Dr Peter T. Tsue is a successful Agricultural Economist who specialized in Production, Resource and Environmental Economics. He obtained a Ph.D in Agricultural Economics with specialization in Resource and Environmental Economics in 2015 from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He has undergone several relevant capacity building trainings from IFPRI, USAID, IFAD and the World Bank. He has over years been involved in project implementation of several Local and International donor Organizations such as USAID MARKETS II, IFAD/VCDP, OX-FAM, IITA in the Agriculture and social sector to improve productivity, sustain the environment and care for the vulnerable groups. Currently he is a socio-economic specialist for IITA soybean seed system in Benue State, Nigeria. Dr Tsue has vast research experience in land administration, land exchange, climate change resilience and adaptation, land degradation, production and productivity, sustainable natural resource use and adoption of innovations. In addition, he has good knowledge of data analysis using SPSS, Stochastic Frontier Analysis, E-views, Stata, Minitab and DAD statistical soft wares.

 

Macsamuel Ugbaa
Mr. Macsamuel Sesugh Ugbaa

Examination Officer, Environmental Standards

Macsamuel Sesugh Ugbaa is a Plant Breeder and Geneticist with 5 years cognate University teaching experience at the Department of Plant breeding and Seed Science, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM), and over 10 years experience in implementation ofresearch projects funded by donors such as CORAF, Kirkhouse Trust SCIO UK, Bill and Melinda Gates through the IITA and AGRA. He has also collaborated on international project with Researchers at the University College London on Biological control of Fall army worm using Social wasps.
His professional expertise isin genomics-assisted breeding for resistance/tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, breeding for Climate and Nutrition smart agriculture, germplasm characterization using morphological and molecular tools to enhance exploration and usage and consumer based and farmer participatory breeding. Macsamuelis a Research Fellow of the Kirkhouse Trust and has received training at the University of Virginia USA and Cambridge University UK. He is also trained in Online facilitation for teaching and learning, World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, FAO Agricultural Risk Assessment, Project management, Leadership and Teamwork, Project monitoring and Evaluation and Data analysis.
He is currently a Co-PI at the Molecular Biology Laboratory FUAM, Coordinator of the Biotechnology Interdisciplinary Research Group FUAM, Nigeria country Coordinator of the JR Biotek Foundation, USA and Treasurer/Training Coordinator of Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria.

Dr. Mrs Nnamonu
professor Lami Angela Nnamonu

Centre Leader/Director

The raison d’etre of any government is the pursuit of the happiness of its citizenry. This way, the government adds value to the quality of life of its people in all strata of society. One of the ways of doing this is via standardization. In recent times, interest in the fields of procurement, environmental management and social safeguards have increased. This has necessitated the need for concomitant capacity building in minimum benchmarks to decrease the negative consequences linked to the absence of standards in the tripartite areas of procurement, environment and social safeguards.
In Procurement, standardization of procedures is a crucial element in maintaining transparency, accountability, impartiality and fairness. It helps to prevent corruption issues, such as suppliers bribing those in charge of the procurement process, the fixing of bid prices (commonly called quotation) or the awarding of contracts to one supplier without competitive bidding, among others. The existence of standards helps ensure that supplies are procured only from ethical sources with good track records. The Nigerian government just like in other countries is the major provider of services or public goods to society. Even though endowed with human and natural resources, corruption-linked procurement processes have been reported to contribute to poor service delivery systems and compromise, youth unemployment and a cascade of other socio-economic ills which have taken a toll on the nation. The Human Development Index (HDI) of the country comparatively ranks low, while the HPI (Happy Planet Index) ranks very high paradoxically – Nigerians are happy people!

Furthermore, despite universal Environmental consciousness in recent decades, the Nigerian ecosystem is being degraded by anthropogenous activities such as agriculture, fisheries, transport, industry, tourism and the urban sprawl. Global pressures on the environment have resulted to climate change and variability, in addition to economic and population growth, and changing consumption patterns. At the same time, growing understanding of the characteristics of Nigeria’s environmental challenges and their impact on economic and Social systems in a globalized world has brought with it the increasing recognition that existing knowledge and governance approaches are inadequate to deal with them. With no formal curricula specified for standards development in these key areas, the gap between sustainable policy and implementation keeps widening.

In response to this, the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM) through funding from the World Bank has established the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS) under the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project to develop competences in the three core areas offered under five distinct academic tracks in the first instance of 5 years). CIPESS will leverage to a great extent on ICT and collaborations with international and national partners to train her students in the following tracks:
Track A: Short executive certificate courses for existing workforce in PESS.
Track B: Advanced Certificate Courses for school leavers and others in PESS.
Track C: Post-graduate Diploma (PGD) in PESS.
Track D: Master’s degree (Professional and Academic Masters) – and later, PhD programmes – for degree holders to focus on in-depth research in PESS.
Track E: 4-year Bachelors programme in PESS.
In simple terms, the time has come, in Nigeria, that any one desiring to hold public office in any capacity – be it in academia, the public sector, in industry or the organized private sector – might need to present some kind of certification in an area in the field of Procurement Standards, Environmental Standards or Social Standards, depending on their area of specialization. Movement from your current position or rank to the next level in your career might soon be hindered without this training. CIPESS is the hub for this in North Central Nigeria for all civil servants at State and Federal levels. State and Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the organized private sector, non-governmental organizations, civil society, industries, academia and the general public are the focus of these programmes.
Using experienced personnel from the composite departments in the University and drawing on the rich pool of partners, CIPESS shall focus on offering world-class in-person and on-line pedagogic content and hybrid learning systems with opportunity for industry-based internship and exchange programs with sectoral and academic partners within and outside Nigeria.
CIPESS will translate research milestones and teaching into improving the process of procurement in the private as well as public sector, enhancement of legal framework and backstopping environmental and social safeguards.

On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Anande Kimbir (KSM), I urge you to grab the opportunity to study with us in the culture of World Bank excellence and global best practice.
Welcome to CIPESS!

Signed
Professor Lami A. Nnamonu FICCON, FCSN
(Project Leader & Centre Director)

Dr. Mrs Nnamonu
Professor Lami Angela Nnamonu

Centre Leader/Director

Professor Lami Nnamonu, a Professor of Agrochemical Technology, Commonwealth Scholar and two time winner of the prestigious Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future postdoctoral Fellowship, has many years of experience in environment-friendly agricultural chemistry research. She brings to her role in CIPESS, leadership capacity as past Head of Pre-degree Department and former Director of the Center for Agrochemical Technology, now Centre for Agrochemical Technology and Environmental Research, CATER. She has been a research associate in Durham University, England and Newcastle University, England United Kingdom at various times. She is passionate about advancing females in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics and Medicine. Her outfit, Girls In Future Tertiary Science (GIFTS) is empowering girls not only to pick STEM courses and careers but to remain and progress there.
Her research focus is on:

• Pesticide/fertilizer formulation research – slow-release and nano-formulations of pesticides and combination agrochemicals (fertilizer cum pesticide), employing non-toxic, biodegradable, inert, user-friendly, cheap and readily available materials as matrices. These matrices – like chitosan, kaolin and starch – are also extracted from local sources.
• Profiling physico-chemical characteristics of the formulations and monitoring of factors affecting pesticide release in order to develop management protocols for optimum pest control from encapsulated formulations.
• Agrochemical alternatives – discovery of new materials for pest control from the abundant natural resources with which Nigeria is endowed, with a view to developing safer and environmentally friendly products.
• Efficacy testing of these formulations against a group of commercially important cereals and associated weeds
• Agrochemicals/environment interactions, viz. the determination of pesticide and heavy metal residues in food, soil, air and water.
• Exploration and application of essential oils and other plant products as green pesticides
• Organic syntheses of these bio-actives, applying green and benign chemical processes

Prof. Simon Kpelai
Professor Simon Tersoo Kpelai

Deputy Centre Leader, Procurement Standards

Professor Simon Tersoo Kpelai holds a Ph.D in Management with bias in Finance. He has been teaching Financial Management and Entrepreneurship Development at the university level for 26 years. He has many scholarly publications to his credit in peer reviewed academic journals. He is an author of two books; Managerial Finance and Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria. He is also on the Editorial Board of many academic journals. He has also worked as a consultant to Benue State Government, Federal Ministry of Finance, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Department for International Development (DFID, UK) among others. He served as a commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment to Benue State Government from 2015 to 2018. He is currently the Deputy Centre Leader, Procurement Standards at the Centre for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS), as well as Head, Department of Business Administration, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He is happily married with two children.

Prof. Rufus Sha`Ato
Professor Rufus Sha’Ato
FCSN, FICCON, MIPAN, MANCAP,

Deputy Centre Leader, Environmental Standards

Professor R. Sha’Ato is a Professor of Chemistry and Dean, Postgraduate School in the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurd and pioneer Deputy Centre Leader (Environmental Standards), CIPESS. He is an active executive member of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) and Nigeria Coordinator, African Network for the Chemical Analysis of Pesticides and other Chemical Pollutants (ANCAP). He was trained at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Ibadan, Ibadan; He is a CIDA post-doctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemistry at Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada.
His research activities include traverse-analytical and environmental chemistry, waste management/water use, general environmental management and sustainability. Specifically: the physical chemistry of chemical (pollutants) fate (transformation, adsorption) and transport in soil-water systems; development of low-cost water treatment technologies and environmentally friendly agrochemical technologies, including novel slow-release and combination pesticide formulations, using nano-materials; environmental management advisories. He is also a Faculty member at the University’s Center for Agrochemical Technology and Environmental Research; as a lead researcher in agrochemical technology; with Prof. O. J. Okonkwo, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria (investigations of brominated flame retardants in the environment and other POPs)

Dr Angol Naswem
Professor Adolphus Angol Naswem

Deputy Center Leader, Social Standards

Professor Adolphus Angol Naswem is a  Professor of Rural Sociology, and Director, Institute of Food Security. He obtained a B.Sc in Sociology at the University of Jos in 1986, M.Sc and Ph.D at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 2004 and 2010 respectively. He also serves on the Editorial Board of Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science. His research interests include sustainable rural development, social capital, and climate change, and is widely published in these areas. Dr. Naswem is passionate about reaching rural folks with technologies that will benefit not just their farming activities, but also impact every area of their lives. He is involved in community outreach, and is deeply involved in professional societies where he serves as Vice-President II of the Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria, and member, Executive Board of the Research Committee on Sociology of Agriculture and Food (RC40) of the International Sociological Association.

Academic Collaborators

1. Susan H. Allen, PhD
Position/Title: Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice University/Institution: George Mason University, Virginia, USA
Email: sallen29@gmu.edu

2. Frank Vanclay, PhD
Position/Title: Professor and Head of the Department of Cultural Geography University/Institution: University of Groningen, Netherlands
Email: frank.vanclay@rug.nl

3. Dr. Eihab E.M. Elias
Position/Title: Head, Department of Pesticides and Toxicology University/Institution: University of Gezira, Sudan
Email: eihabelias1@gmail.com

4. Dr. Murat Arsel
Position/Title: Professor
University/Institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands/International Institute of Social Studies,
Email: arsel@iss.nl

5. Ms. Nikki Funke
Position/Title: PhD Fellow/Senior Researcher

University/Institution
1. Institute for Environmental Studies (Instituutvoor Milieuvraagstukken, IVM), Vrije University Amsterdam
2. Natural Resources and Environment Unit, Council for Scientific Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa.

Email: n.s.funke@vu.nl

6. Elisabeth Simelton
Position/Title: Senior Climate Change Scientist/Dr University/Institution: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Vietnam Country Office, 13th floor HCMCC Tower, 249 A Thuy Khue Street, Thuy Khue Ward, Tay Ho District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Email: E.Simelton@cgiar.org

Professor Dooshima Tuleun
Professor Dooshima Tuleun

Academic Programs Coordinator , Procurement Standards

Dr Lami Nnamonu, an Associate Professor of Agrochemical Technology, Commonwealth Scholar and two time winner of the prestigious Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future postdoctoral Fellowship, has many years of experience in environment-friendly agricultural chemistry research. She brings to her role in CIPESS, leadership capacity as past Head of Pre-degree Department and former Director of the Center for Agrochemical Technology, now Centre for Agrochemical Technology and Environmental Research, CATER. She has been a research associate in Durham University, England and Newcastle University, England United Kingdom at various times. She is passionate about advancing females in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics and Medicine. Her outfit, Girls In Future Tertiary Science (GIFTS) is empowering girls not only to pick STEM courses and careers but to remain and progress there.
Her research focus is on:

• Pesticide/fertilizer formulation research – slow-release and nano-formulations of pesticides and combination agrochemicals (fertilizer cum pesticide), employing non-toxic, biodegradable, inert, user-friendly, cheap and readily available materials as matrices. These matrices – like chitosan, kaolin and starch – are also extracted from local sources.
• Profiling physico-chemical characteristics of the formulations and monitoring of factors affecting pesticide release in order to develop management protocols for optimum pest control from encapsulated formulations.
• Agrochemical alternatives – discovery of new materials for pest control from the abundant natural resources with which Nigeria is endowed, with a view to developing safer and environmentally friendly products.
• Efficacy testing of these formulations against a group of commercially important cereals and associated weeds
• Agrochemicals/environment interactions, viz. the determination of pesticide and heavy metal residues in food, soil, air and water.
• Exploration and application of essential oils and other plant products as green pesticides
• Organic syntheses of these bio-actives, applying green and benign chemical processes

Professor John Igoli
Professor John Ogbaji Igoli

Academic Programs Coordinator , Social Standards

Professor John Ogbaji Igoli has a PhD in organic chemistry, specializing in natural products from the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2003 and had postdoctoral training at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow from 2008 to 2014. He currently works at the Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi Nigeria. He has over 140 publications involving research in organic chemistry, pharmacology and Phytochemistry reporting on the isolation, structure elucidation and bioassay of several novel compounds. He is keenly interested in drug discovery and the bioassay of isolated or synthesised compounds. John is vividly involved in spectroscopic identification of compounds and the evaluation of plants used in traditional medicine. John has a dream of establishing functional laboratories in Nigeria as he is concerned about the lack of research and spectroscopic facilities in Nigeria. John is passionate about teaching and research collaboration. He has facilitated several grant writing, research and spectroscopy workshops in Nigeria, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand and Malawi. He has obtained fellowships, research and travel grants from DAAD/OPCW, IFS, NHS GGC, RSC, CRUK, IFAH, CADFP and the Wellcome Trust. Professor Igoli has mentored and supervised several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Professor Igoli is a member of a National Committee to develop protocols for the evaluation of herbal medicines and products. He is also the Director of the University Specialized Equipment Centre.

Mrs Margaret Gwebe
Mrs Margaret Gwebe

Financial Management  Coordinator

Mrs. Margaret Gwebe is the Financial Management Coordinator for the Centre for Innovation in Procurement Environmental and Social Standard, World Bank Assisted Centre. She is also a Deputy Bursar at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State where she has worked for 34 years.
Mrs Margaret Gwebe holds a BSc in Accounting. She is a Certified National Accountant and a member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). She is also a member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

Dr Simon Shomkegh
Professor Simon Shomkegh

Monitoring and  Evaluation Officer

Professor Simon Shomkegh is a Professor of Forest and Environmental Management with over 20 years’ experience in tertiary-levelcapacity development, research and community/outreach serviceat the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Environmental Management and has undergone several inter/national capacity building trainings especially in the field of natural resource management and online pedagogy. He is an experienced mentor and is passionate about building the capacity of Africa’s next generation of innovative practitioners, in order to provide cutting edge solutions to today and future environmental challenges of the continent. In addition, Dr Shomkeghhas been involved in the implementation of donor supported projects especially with CIDA, Sida, USAID, UNICEF and PAC and his experience will supporttheachievement of the objectives of theCenter for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS), a World Bank and National Universities Commission (NUC) supported Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (SPESSE) project. He currently Heads the Department of Social and Environmental Forestry in the University and is servingon the CIPESS projectasthe Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. His current interests include result-oriented capacity development, sustainable use ofnatural resources, climate resilience building, mentoring and translation of research results into effective policies and practices. He can be reached at sshomkegh@uam.edu.ng

Dr. Christopher Eche
Dr. Christopher O. Eche

Environmental and Social Safeguards/Academic Liaison Officer

Dr. Eche is an astute agronomist with over 15 years’ experience in field crop research and environmental protection. He currently works at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) and is the  Academic Programme Coordinator(Social Standards)/Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer of the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS). He is also the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Specialized Equipment Centre, FUAM. In addition to research, he teaches and engages with international and national academic and governmental agencies as Academic Liaison Officer of CIPESS. With vast experience in project management and consultancy, Dr Eche was the Project Focal Person (PFP) for FUAM in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project dubbed “Increasing Groundnut Productivity in Mali, Ghana and Nigeria” (2015 to 2018) and as the field/biometrician on the “Cassava Weed Management in Nigeria Project” funded by the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation between 2014 and 2016. He also consults for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Fadama III Project and one of the consultants for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project dubbed “Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in Savannah Zones of Nigeria”. Working with other team members in FUAM, they recently won the World-Bank funded project which led to the establishment and take-off of the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS). He is an alumnus of a number of institutions including Ahmadu Bello University(ABU),Zaria; Ghent University, Belgium; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); Ohio State University, Columbus, USA; Shenyang Agricultural University,China and Wageningen University, Netherlands. He is also a Fellow of Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF). With vast training in Applied Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) of World Bank, Dr Eche while liaising with other academic institutions to promote the academic quality of CIPESS, also ensures that all activities and programmes in CIPESS are in tandem with World Bank’s ESF. He is a member of Nigerian Society of Plant Protection (NSPP), American Phytopathological Society (APS), Nigerian Society of Nematologists (NISON), Food Security and Nutrition Network (USAID/TOPS), to mention a few.

Iveren Chenge
Dr. Iveren. B. Chenge

Research Team Leader, Environmental Standards

Dr. I.B. Chenge is a specialist in forest biometrics, forest mensuration and remote sensing. Her research focuses on the development of statistical methods and tools for solving problems related to forestry growth, biodiversity and environmental sustainability. She is a Lecturer in the Department of Forest Production and Products Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria and also the Research Theme Leader for Environmental Standards at the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS).

Simon Ejembi
Professor Simon Ameh Ejembi

Research Team Leader, Social Standards

Professor S.A. Ejembi hold a Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology from the famous Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Currently, a Professor of Rural Sociology, a lecturer and researcher at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi for upward of 21 years with a bias in Community and Agricultural Development. His teaching experience has manifested in the successful supervision of both graduate and undergraduate students’ project. His research experience also stern from my assignments with United Nations Development Project, World Bank groups like International Fund for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization and other international agencies such as IITA, HarvestPlus and CSDA. He is a member of several professional associations in his area of discipline including International Rural Sociological Association, International Sociological Association, Association of International Agricultural Extension Education, Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria, Society for Gender in Agriculture and Rural Development and Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria. As a staff of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Dr. S.A. Ejembi currently serves as the Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Deputy Dean, College of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Research Team Leader, Social Standards at the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environment and Social Standards and Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities. Dr. S.A. Ejembi is married to Sarah with four lovely children as proofs of God’s faithfulness to their union.

Simon Yange
Dr. Terungwa Simon Yange

ICT Officer, Social Standards

Dr. Terungwa Simon Yange holds BSc Computer Science from Benue State University, Makurdi, and MSc and PhD in Computer Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Nigeria. His research interest is in the areas of Data Science & Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Systems. Dr. Simon started working as a software developer at Panet Technologies Ltd Makurdi in 2008 and later moved to Lagos in 2010 where he served as senior software developer with Programos Software Ltd, senior software architect with Conservative Estimates Ltd and senior software architect/business manager with Pega Financial Partners LLC. He later joined the services of the University of Agriculture Makurdi on the 7th of August, 2014 as an academic staff in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science. Dr. Simon is a member of several professional bodies. These include: Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Data Science Nigeria (DSN), Academia in Information Technology Profession (AITP), International Academy of Science and Engineering for Development (IASED), Professional Council of African Research Experts (PCARE), International Association of Engineers (IAENG) and Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN). He is certified by both oracle (Oracle Certified Associate) and Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).He has served on several committees in Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria, Nigeria Computer Society, Academia in Information Technology Profession, Benue State Government, University of Agriculture Makurdi and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). He is the current Chairman of Nigeria Computer Society, Benue State Chapter. He has attended several local and international conferences and workshops, published over 25 articles in reputable journals, and also a reviewer to several journals and conferences. Dr. Simon has also travelled to Finland, South Africa, Burundi, Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana. He is the Managing Consultant of Xttech Global Services Ltd.

John Ona
Dr. John Ona

Academic Liaison Officer

Dr John Ona is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. He has over 15 years’ experience in teaching and research at the tertiary education level. He serves as CIPESS Academic Liaison Officer where his duties include liaising with other academic institutions to improve academic qualities at CIPESS. He holds a PhD in Pure and Applied Chemistry from the University of Strathclyde Glasgow Scotland and has carried out extensive research in Biofuels, enzyme hydrolysis and other biotransformation studies. Dr Ona also has research experience that has seen him work at the Indian Institute of Technology New Delhi, Arizona State University Phoenix USA and the University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada. He is a recipient of the UK-India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI), Mandela Washington Fellowship and the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program (TEEP).

Terngu Tingir
Engr. Terngu James Tingir, COREN

ICT Officer, Environmental Standards

Engr. Terngu James Tingir holds a B.Eng and M.Eng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering(with Specialization in Digital Electronics and Computer Engineering) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He is currently undergoing a Ph.D in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Electronics and Telecommunication) at the University of Benin, Benin City. His research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Embedded Systems and Web Development.
He is an Academic Staff with the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He has several publications across different fields of Electronics and Computer Engineering. He is a registered Engineer with the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is currently a member of ASUU’s Covid-19 committee credited with the development of a Mechanical ventilator and also the ICT Officer for Environmental Standards

Onyeke Idoko
Onyeke Idoko Charles

ICT Officer, Procurement Standards

Onyeke Idoko Charles is a lecturer with the department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He is currently a Ph.D candidate at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Benue State University and a Masters’ Degree in Computer Science from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
A practicing software developer with thirteen years’ experience in mobile and web based application development, his areas of interest are computer programming, software engineering, design and analysis of algorithms, intelligent information systems. He has seven publications in learned journals.
He is currently the ICT Officer for Procurement Standard at the Centre for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards, University of Agriculture Makurdi.

Godwin Tor-Anyíin
Mr. Godwin A. Tor-Anyíin

Procurement & Property Management Officer,  P.P.M.O

Mr. G. Tor-Anyiin Holds a Bsc. in Bus.Mgt, and is a Chartered Member, Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN). Mr. G. Tor-Anyiin joined the services of the University in June 1989,worked for 2 years and proceeded to read B. sc Bus.Mgt in University of Jos. After graduating in 1996 and in 1999 He was upgraded and posted to Bursary Department,under Pension Unit.i worked as Secretary to the Pension Board from 1999-2003.i Worked directly with the Vice Chancellor,Insurance Fund managers, Insurance Brokers, as it relates to pension Administration
In 2003-2013, He was posted to Assets & Insurance,as a unit head.From 2013-2016 i was posted to Purchasing Unit of the University.In 2016,i was posted to the Central Stores.As a procurement professional, He undertook trainings at Local and international level.

Ihori Amara
Barr. Ihori Mary Amara

Legal Officer

Barrister Inori Mary Amara, Deputy Registrar (Legal) in the FUAM Legal Unit, is a qualified Legal Practitioner and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK Nigeria Branch. Barrister Amara will be bringing on board her extensive legal experience in grant management and others to guide the Team towards effective realisation of set aims and objectives of the CIPESS project.

Uche Michael
Aondohemba Michael Uche

Communications Officer

Aondohemba Michael Uche is a graduate of Mass Communication and an ICT compliant with effective writing and communication skills in information gathering, collation and dissemination. A journalist by profession and a Public Relations Officer by designation. He is innovative, hardworking, dedicated, creative and computer friendly. His unique professional experience stems from many years of working as an Information and Public Relations Officer in the Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM). His wealth of experience has over the years exerted profound influence in upholding the Vision and Mission of the Directorate through my immense contributions in the weekly and monthly publications, writing of press releases and effective handling of University corporate functions and public affairs.

 

Hephzibah Obekpa
Hephzibah Onyeje Obekpa

Examination Officer, Social Standards

Hephzibah Onyeje Obekpa is a lecturer II at the department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. She is a young academic and also a Ph.D candidate at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. She is a 2019 Nigerian Agricultural Policy Project Scholar under the Feed the Future project sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development. She was a short-term student for 2 semesters at Michigan State University where she learnt to develop policy briefs from evidence-based research. Her areas of research interest include Food and nutrition security, gender studies as well as development Economics. She has over 15 scholarly publications and she is currently the exam officer of Social Standards at the Centre for Innovation in procurement, environmental and social standards, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi

Tongu Sylvester
Dr. Sylvester Tongu

Examination Officer, Environmental Standards

Dr. Sylvester M. Tongu was born on 25th September, 1979 to the family of late Mr. Tongu Kunde and late Mrs. Mnguzenden Sarah Tongu in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. He obtained his Certificate of Primary Education in 1990 and WASSC in 1995, both in Benue State, Nigeria. He proceeded to Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM) and graduated in 2004 with BSc.(Ed) Chemistry and further to Benue State University Makurdi where he obtained MSc degree (Analytical Chemistry) in 2010. He later returned to FUAM for his Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry, visited Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa for his bench work and graduated in 2018. He was employed as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, FUAM in 2013, where he is engaged in teaching and research, and has risen to the position of Lecturer I. Before his employment at the University he had served as Chemistry Teacher in Secondary Schools during his National Youth Service in Ondo State, Nigeria (2005-2006) and while with Benue State Teaching Service Board (2007-2013). Dr. Tongu has held several positions including Chairman, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Benue Chapter (2018-date), Examinations Officer College of Science/Chairman, FUAM Time Table Planning Committee (2019-date), CIPESS Examinations Officer, Environmental and Social Standards (2020-date), Registration Area Collation Officer, Nigeria General Election (2019), Coordinator, National Chemistry Competition, CSN Benue Chapter (2014 – 2018),Secretary, LOC ICCON Training Workshop (2011). He has many publications in peer reviewed journals and has attended and presented papers atseveral local and international conferences. He is a member of Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria and CSN, and a recipient of CSN Gold Award of Excellence (2020) and NYSC Certificate of Commendation (2006). He is married and blessed with children.

Igbawua Igbahenah
Dr. Felix Igbawua Igbahenah, MANUPA, KSM, AP.

Student Administrator

Dr. F.I. Igbahenah is a Principal Assistant Registrar with the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He is hardworking and enthusiastic Administrator with a proven track record in human resources/personnel management. He is always try to achieve the highest standard possible, at any given task and in any situation. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from BSU Makurdi. In addition, He holds an M. Sc Environmental and Resource Management and Ph.D in Geography which places him on point of vantage for engagement as faculty in the area of Environmental Standards. His Administrative experience spans over three decades with excellent track record of service. Email: felix.igbahenah@uam.edu.ng

Joy Aondoakaa
Mrs. Joy Aondoakaa

Store Keeper

Mrs.Aondoakaa Joy holds a National Diploma in Marketing from Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo in 2003-2006.
She is a dedicated staff of the Federal University of Agriculture under the Store Unit, Bursary Department with about seven years of excellent experience that has facilitated acceleration to the rank of a store officer. She has attended several workshops such as ITF workshop on supply chain management in Makurdi 2018.
She believes in hard work, commitment to duty and execution to meet the best practices in her work assignment. She brings the wealth of experiences to CIPESS and a desire to add value to the culture of excellences at the center.

Comfort Ahile
Mrs. Comfort Ahile

Assistant Account Officer II

Mrs. Comfort Ahile is an enthusiastic accountant eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organisational skill with a clear understanding of task and training. Motivated to learn, grow and excel in work space. She hold a Higher National Diploma Accounting from Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. She is a Certified National Accountant. She is also an Accountant II in the Bursary Department of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. She is the Assistant Account Officer II at the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS).

environmental Standards

The recent global emphasis on rational use of natural resources has raised the need for increased environmental education and capacity building in the area. Of particular importance is the fact that the impact of various human activities on the environment may remain unnoticed until it becomes a threat to human and animal existence. An effective policy or program for sound environmental management is largely dependent on availability of trained personnel both in the private and public sectors.
The selected tracks in environmental standards are interconnected by the common objective of developing skills and knowledge of individuals in environmental standards throughout the public and private sector organizations related to environmental management and sustenance. Our program will give our students a deep knowledge of this interconnectedness and prepares them for a rewarding career that makes full use of your passion for the environment, as they can progress from one track to another in a bottom up structure. The degree programmes courses portray the interconnectedness of the many sub-disciplines within the Environmental Sciences. Put together, the five tracks in environmental standards component of the CIPESS.
Our students can progress through the five tracks and gain advanced knowledge and skills across similar themes as the move to a higher track. This is a unique structure that will provide a blend of professionals and ultimately professionalize the practice and implementation of environmental standards in our private and public institutions.

social Standard

The effectiveness of social standards system mirrors the quality of life and development in any society. Effective social standards systems are vital ingredients for healthy growth and development of the society and are invariably a measure of the effectiveness of social institutional structures and general impact of good governance.
In Nigeria, a huge gap exists between the available skills/competencies, and the requirements for effective social standards practices. Professionalized kills and knowledge are required to assure focused organizational growth that relies on social standards. Training and strengthening social institutional capacities are essential in having a healthy society, enhance the effectiveness of governance impact on citizens and importantly promote long term value, peace and co-existence in space and time. There is need for training and education for social standard practitioners to improve top and bottom line performance in organizations. These skills and knowledge gaps will be addressed through sustained human capacity building and up to date academic research programs in social standards at CIPESS.
Social Standards Management courses on offer at the Center via five (5) tracks are mutually related as they constitute a bottom-up learning structure-beginning with certificate courses up to graduate degrees. This is effective for career development from lower cadre to senior and executive cadre in the civil service and private organizations. The 5 tracks are well designed with elementary courses building up to advanced studies and research based degrees capable of breeding cadre practitioners, policymakers, academics among others.

environmental Standards

The recent global emphasis on rational use of natural resources has raised the need for increased environmental education and capacity building in the area. Of particular importance is the fact that the impact of various human activities on the environment may remain unnoticed until it becomes a threat to human and animal existence. An effective policy or program for sound environmental management is largely dependent on availability of trained personnel both in the private and public sectors.
The selected tracks in environmental standards are interconnected by the common objective of developing skills and knowledge of individuals in environmental standards throughout the public and private sector organizations related to environmental management and sustenance. Our program will give our students a deep knowledge of this interconnectedness and prepares them for a rewarding career that makes full use of your passion for the environment, as they can progress from one track to another in a bottom up structure. The degree programmes courses portray the interconnectedness of the many sub-disciplines within the Environmental Sciences. Put together, the five tracks in environmental standards component of the CIPESS.
Our students can progress through the five tracks and gain advanced knowledge and skills across similar themes as the move to a higher track. This is a unique structure that will provide a blend of professionals and ultimately professionalize the practice and implementation of environmental standards in our private and public institutions.

Ms Priscila Gbough
Priscilla Mbakaan Gbough

Security Supervisor

Ms. Priscilla Mbakaan Gbough, an Assistant Security Officer (ASO) in the FUAM Security Department, is a security expert trained by Romgat Morgan Limited and Cropland International Limited Abuja. Ms Priscilla Gbough holds a National Certificate of Education (NCE) from the College of Education Akwanga, Nasarawa State and is currently the Security Supervisor at the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS).

 

Dr. Mrs Nnamonu
professor Lami Angela Nnamonu

Centre Leader/Director

The raison d’etre of any government is the pursuit of the happiness of its citizenry. This way, the government adds value to the quality of life of its people in all strata of society. One of the ways of doing this is via standardization. In recent times, interest in the fields of procurement, environmental management and social safeguards have increased. This has necessitated the need for concomitant capacity building in minimum benchmarks to decrease the negative consequences linked to the absence of standards in the tripartite areas of procurement, environment and social safeguards.
In Procurement, standardization of procedures is a crucial element in maintaining transparency, accountability, impartiality and fairness. It helps to prevent corruption issues, such as suppliers bribing those in charge of the procurement process, the fixing of bid prices (commonly called quotation) or the awarding of contracts to one supplier without competitive bidding, among others. The existence of standards helps ensure that supplies are procured only from ethical sources with good track records. The Nigerian government just like in other countries is the major provider of services or public goods to society. Even though endowed with human and natural resources, corruption-linked procurement processes have been reported to contribute to poor service delivery systems and compromise, youth unemployment and a cascade of other socio-economic ills which have taken a toll on the nation. The Human Development Index (HDI) of the country comparatively ranks low, while the HPI (Happy Planet Index) ranks very high paradoxically – Nigerians are happy people!

Furthermore, despite universal Environmental consciousness in recent decades, the Nigerian ecosystem is being degraded by anthropogenous activities such as agriculture, fisheries, transport, industry, tourism and the urban sprawl. Global pressures on the environment have resulted to climate change and variability, in addition to economic and population growth, and changing consumption patterns. At the same time, growing understanding of the characteristics of Nigeria’s environmental challenges and their impact on economic and Social systems in a globalized world has brought with it the increasing recognition that existing knowledge and governance approaches are inadequate to deal with them. With no formal curricula specified for standards development in these key areas, the gap between sustainable policy and implementation keeps widening.

In response to this, the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM) through funding from the World Bank has established the Center for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CIPESS) under the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project to develop competences in the three core areas offered under five distinct academic tracks in the first instance of 5 years). CIPESS will leverage to a great extent on ICT and collaborations with international and national partners to train her students in the following tracks:
Track A: Short executive certificate courses for existing workforce in PESS.
Track B: Advanced Certificate Courses for school leavers and others in PESS.
Track C: Post-graduate Diploma (PGD) in PESS.
Track D: Master’s degree (Professional and Academic Masters) – and later, PhD programmes – for degree holders to focus on in-depth research in PESS.
Track E: 4-year Bachelors programme in PESS.
In simple terms, the time has come, in Nigeria, that any one desiring to hold public office in any capacity – be it in academia, the public sector, in industry or the organized private sector – might need to present some kind of certification in an area in the field of Procurement Standards, Environmental Standards or Social Standards, depending on their area of specialization. Movement from your current position or rank to the next level in your career might soon be hindered without this training. CIPESS is the hub for this in North Central Nigeria for all civil servants at State and Federal levels. State and Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the organized private sector, non-governmental organizations, civil society, industries, academia and the general public are the focus of these programmes.
Using experienced personnel from the composite departments in the University and drawing on the rich pool of partners, CIPESS shall focus on offering world-class in-person and on-line pedagogic content and hybrid learning systems with opportunity for industry-based internship and exchange programs with sectoral and academic partners within and outside Nigeria.
CIPESS will translate research milestones and teaching into improving the process of procurement in the private as well as public sector, enhancement of legal framework and backstopping environmental and social safeguards.

On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Anande Kimbir (KSM), I urge you to grab the opportunity to study with us in the culture of World Bank excellence and global best practice.
Welcome to CIPESS!

Signed
Professor Lami A. Nnamonu FICCON, FCSN
(Project Leader & Centre Director)