…….…Pushes For Procurement Certification Programmes.
The Director-Genera/CEO, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, hosted the Management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma O. Uduma, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, where both parties agreed to partner with a view to strengthening institutional collaboration.
According to them, such collaboration would help to improve operational synergy, and enhanced capacity building that would ensure seamless delivery of NOUN’s national educational mandate.
Dr. Adedokun, while welcoming the NOUN Team, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his vast knowledge, experience and vision, as he affirms the Bureau’s commitment to driving Academic-Industry synergy through a strategic partnership with NOUN
The DG BPP emphasised that transforming public administration requires equipping the next generation with practical skills and an aligned national orientation, saying that partnership with NOUN aligns with Federal Government’s efforts to prioritise homegrown educational platforms, and professional certifications through the Nigeria First Policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Transformative Agenda, that gives the first right of refusal in all we do to companies and services domiciled in Nigeria.
He reiterated that knowledge is key to translating national policy and sustainable development, and BPP has capacity building section with hybrid sustainable procurement programme established through partnership with NUC, supported by World Bank. Therefore, BPP is ready to partner with NOUN to establish hybrid study centres to further strengthen the SPESSE programme approved by the Federal Government.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma, stated that partnering with the Bureau will help to strengthen and deliver on their mandate.
He emphasised the university’s commitment to strict adherence to public procurement guidelines, noting that a robust partnership with the regulatory body would help streamline procurement processes, eliminate administrative bottlenecks, and prevent project delays.
“To deliver on our mandate, our processes must be competitive, accountable, and in compliance with public procurement rules” he said.
Prof. Uduma proposed the establishment and development of procurement certification programmes for the entire country, thereby leveraging its network over the country, as their mandate is to have at least 774 study centres, bearing in mind that education is for the sustainability and growth of the Nigerian economy.
Both entities underscored the essence of establishing a framework to align with NOUN’s expansion drive with the public procurement regulations to scale its digital infrastructure, study centres, and learning resources across the country. All this, he noted, makes public procurement vital to its operational success.
Ngozi Anyaelezu
Assistant Chief Information Officer.
September 7, 2026.
