The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja, which recently transitioned to Yakubu Gowon University, have announced a strategic partnership to establish an International Centre for Procurement, Governance, Integrity, and Assurance.
This landmark initiative aims to position Nigeria as the premier hub for procurement expertise within the ECOWAS region and beyond.
The collaboration was formalised during a high-profile courtesy visit by the University’s leadership team to the BPP.
Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, FCILT, FMS, and the visiting delegation led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Dr Prince Olanrewaju Tejuosho expressed commitment to the initiative.
● A Paradigm Shift in Governance
Dr. Adedokun underscored the historical significance of the University of Abuja as a citadel of knowledge at the seat of power.
He noted that while the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) collaborates with the six Centres of Excellence (CEs) primarily through the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project. Dr. Adedokun also said that the World Bank-supported initiative is designed to professionalize procurement practices by bridging the gap between academic theory and professional application , and that the new International Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will play a unique, strategic role in providing real-time data analytics and research to support Federal Government’s activities under the “Renewed Hope” Agenda.
The establishment of this Centre sends a loud statement to Nigeria that our institutions are aligning to ensure meaningful impact in governance, the DG stated.
He said It was essential that leaders of thought and political leaders find it necessary to return to the university to imbibe the latest policy frameworks that drive our economy forward.”
■ Strengthening the Legal Framework
Dr Adedokun highlighted that the partnership aligned directly with the BPP’s mandate under Sections 5(a), 5(s), and 4(d) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, which mandated the Bureau with capacity building, professional development, and the mainstreaming of ethical behaviour.
The DG disclosed that international technical assistance was already being lined up to support the Centre.
He envisioned it as a global hub where ministers and chief executives from across Africa and the world—including developed nations like the UK, Germany, and the USA—could “learn, unlearn, and relearn” global best practices in public procurement.
■ Knowledge Prevents Peril
Pro-Chancellor of the University, Senator Dr Prince Olanrewaju Tejuosho, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
He remarked that in the public sector, people may end up in prison for lack of knowledge. Oversight work by parliamentarians would be significantly enhanced if they had the opportunity to have gone through a Centre of Excellence like this, knowing exactly what to look for in their duties.
The Senator praised Dr Adedokun’s proactiveness and confirmed that the University, christened by the DG as a “Citadel for Procurement Excellence”, has already identified a take-off location and developed structural plans for the institute.
The Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Fawehinmi also gave his remarks, pledging that the University would “walk the talk” to ensure the Bureau was proud of this partnership, emphasising that as the only public university in the FCT, it wad uniquely positioned to drive the country’s development.
■Timeline and Quality Assurance
Dr. Adedokun announced that the BPP would lead an international seminar at the University in April 2026 as a precursor to its convocation ceremony to officially launch the Centre’s activities. The seminar was intended to become an iconic annual event.
The DG issued a final charge regarding the quality of the project: “I will not accept a substandard structure”.
This facility must be ranked alongside those at Oxford or Harvard. It is better to build one facility that stands the test of time in quality and technology than to build ten with the hope of renewal or reconstruction later.
The Bureau will soon embark on a courtesy visit to inspect the Centre’s temporary accommodation and meet with implementation partners to finalise the programme’s rollout.
e-Signed:
Zira Zakka Nagga,
Head of Press and Public Relations (BPP)
March 9, 2026
