Ndi Imo | FUTO CE-sPESS Commences Programme In Style
FUTO CE-sPESS Commences Programme In Style
...As Participants Applaud Management, Organizers
History was obviously made on 22nd February, 2022 as the FUTO Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CE-sPESS) graciously kick-started the Track A of the five different tracks of the professional programmes offered by the Centre, at the 1000 Capacity Hall of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede (FEDPONEK), Owerri.
The five tracks being run by the Centre are: Track A -- Executive Short Courses Track B -- Advanced Certificate Programme Track C -- Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) Track D -- Master of Professional Studies (MPS) Track E -- First Degree (Undergraduate) Programme.
The durations of the outlined tracks are: one month, 9 months, one year, 18 months, and 4 years, respectively.
For Track A, a participant needs to undergo at least three different Modules of the Executive Courses to earn a Certificate of Participation.
Similarly, to acquire Advanced Certificate, a participant must undergo all the Executive Short Courses as well as sit for the final exams after completion.
It's noteworthy that each of the aforementioned tracks are available in the three Tranches enshrined in the CE-sPESS, which are: Procurement Management, Environmental Standards and Social Standards.
In her remark at the Opening Ceremony of the 5-day Workshops, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of FUTO, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna N. Oti told the gathering that FUTO was chosen by the key sponsors of the CE-sPESS after a very rigorous and competitive process.
Prof. Oti, who was inevitably absent but ably represented by the Deputy VC (DVC) on Academics -- Engr. Prof. Geoffrey I. Nwandikom took time to appreciate the members of the Organizing Team of the Centre for their dogged approach and selfless contributions so far.
Prof. Nwandikom, having also thanked the FEDPONEK Rector for his support, stated he was very confident the team would aptly deliver on the mandate given them.
The VC further assured that the training would be a very interesting one, hence declared the workshop open.
In her Welcome Address, the CE-sPESS Director, Engr. Prof. Mrs. Gloria A. Chukwudebe strongly stated that the VC, Prof. Oti had been very helpful and supportive to the team since the inception of the Centre in FUTO, as she further informed the audience that the sponsors were the World Bank and National Universities Commission (NUC).
Prof. Chukwudebe tendered the background analysis of how the Centre of Excellence came into existence in Nigeria and how FUTO became one of the chosen universities to run the programme, therefore notified that each of the licensed institutions is in charge of the geo-political zone where it is situated. It suffices to say that FUTO is meant to cover the entire South-Eastern zone.
According to the CE-sPESS Director, the World Bank thought it wise to introduce the programme in Nigeria after a thorough study, which revealed that the country was still seriously lagging behind in matters pertaining to Public Procurement.
Prof. Chukwudebe concluded her speech by assuring the teeming participants that they wouldn't regret enrolling for any of the programmes, as the FUTO CE-sPESS could boast of well-qualified resource personnel.
In his Goodwill Message, the Rector of the FEDPONEK, Engr. Dr. Michael C. Arimanwa enthused that the Polytechnic had "Litany of First" in her records, hence was not surprised the historic outing was being held in the institution.
Dr. Arimanwa promised that every member of the FEDPONEK's Procurement Unit must enrol in the programme, as he urged each of the participants to make up their minds on which of the tracks and tranches that would be suitable for them.
The Rector equally used the occasion to elatedly announce that the FEDPONEK had been chosen by the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) as a Centre of Excellence on Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
When called upon for a Vote of Thanks, the CE-sPESS Deputy Director on Environmental Standards, Prof. Chris Nwoko excitedly told the gathering that it had been series of hard-work among the Organizing Team till success was eventually obtained.
Prof. Nwoko, therefore, commended the Centre Director for her pragmatic efforts and leadership prowess, and went further to eulogize the VC who he said had made the programme commencement possible in respect of Logistics Planning.
The other Deputy Directors are: Prof. Uche Dike -- Procurement Management Prof. Jude Ogbulie -- Social Standards.
On his part, one of the participants who was conspicuously filled with joy, told the FUTO Media that he had come to acquire the needed knowledge and training to enable his person grow further in his career as a professional, hence thanked the organizers for their efforts.
