Alumni Upskilling: Strengthening Integrity in Public Procurement

Building leadership capacity in the public sector remains a priority for us. Our latest Alumni Upskilling programme themed Ethics, Compliance, and Integrity in Public Procurement, brought together governance experts who shared practical strategies to help public servants strengthen transparency, build trust, and deliver impact in public service. 

Little attention is paid to public procurement, yet it plays a central role in governance. When guided by integrity, it has the power to transform societies and improve the lives of citizens. This quarter’s Alumni Upskilling event, themed “Ethics, Compliance, and Integrity in Public Procurement,” provided members of our alumni community with the skills needed to apply ethical standards and ensure accountability in procurement processes. 

A highlight of the event was a panel session moderated by our Director of Programmes, Chioma Njoku. The panel featured Mrs Chiaka Ben-Obi, former Coordinating Director of the Digital and Innovation Support Group at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Mr David Adejo Andrew, retired Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education; and Mr Akeem Lawal, former Director of Operations at the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). They explored how ethical procurement practices can protect public resources, improve service delivery, and strengthen citizens’ confidence in government. 

So far this year, we have successfully hosted three upskilling sessions, each aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of our alumni association members in their respective roles. By equipping these public servants with practical skills and knowledge, we continue to support a generation of leaders committed to integrity, excellence, and delivering results that benefit citizens.