Sanwo-Olu Applauds UNILAG Pioneer M.SC Graduates

Kehinde Adeleye

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has praised the University of Lagos’ (UNILAG) pioneer graduates of the MSc.

Procurement Management Programme under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Centre of Excellence (SPESSCE) as trailblazers and change agents.

At a gala night organized by the pioneer graduates at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, the governor’s Special Adviser on Internal Audit, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyeyemi Aina, delivered an address on behalf of Sanwo-Olu.

In his message, the governor highlighted the critical role these graduates play in shaping the future of sustainable procurement and environmental practices in Nigeria and beyond.

Mr. Sanwo-Olu charged participants to use the knowledge acquired to drive innovation and contribute positively to the socio-economic transformation of Lagos State, Nigeria and the world in general.

“I urge you to be bold, innovative and resilient in the face of challenges. The world needs your expertise, your passion and your commitment to making a difference”, the Governor stated.

He also pointed out that the participation of the graduates in the SPESSCE programme would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the World Bank, the National Universities Commission, the University of Lagos and the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency.

“This Partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved when stakeholders come together with a shared vision and commitment to excellence”, the Governor further noted.

He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its unwavering support for Nigeria’s development, adding that the partnership has been instrumental in driving progress and fostering innovation in public procurement and capacity building.

The Governor also enjoined all stakeholders to continue collaborating, innovating and investing in initiatives that empower individuals and institutions to drive sustainable development.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, described public procurement as the backbone of governance, the driving force behind Public Service delivery and the bridge between policy and impact.

Mr. Onafowote added that without an effective public procurement system, the most ambitious government policies would remain mere aspirations, pointing out that an efficient public procurement system helps in translating vision into tangible development as public funds are channeled towards ensuring the good of the people.

He, therefore, charged the pioneering graduates of the SPESSCE programme to demonstrate integrity, competence and innovation as procurement practitioners, noting that procurement does not just require technical expertise, but also strategic insight, risk management skills and an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Director-General also acknowledged the support of the World Bank for the reforms being carried out by the Agency and the development of the capacity of the personnel, noting that the support has gingered the Agency to continue to strive to institutionalise a public procurement system that is not only in compliance with international best practices but also tailored towards reflecting the uniqueness of the State.

In a welcome address, the Class Governor of the pioneer set of the MSc. Procurement Management class under the SPESSCE programme of the University of Lagos, Mr. Johnson Agboola, thanked the sponsors of the programme – the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency and the University of Lagos – for supporting the programme, assuring that their investment in building capacity in Procurement and Supply Chain Management is an investment in national development which would not be taken for granted by the pioneer beneficiaries of the programme.

Mr. Agboola added that the programme has shaped the participants into well-rounded procurement professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and ethics required to make a lasting impact in the dynamic field of Procurement and Supply Chain Management in Nigeria and globally.

He enjoined his colleagues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and remain committed to continuous learning, innovation and best practices so that they could positively contribute to economic growth, sustainable development and nation-building.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Unilag, Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, who was represented at the occasion by Prof. James Akanmu, enjoined the beneficiaries of the SPESSCE to deploy their knowledge and skills for the good of society.

The event was also attended by the National Vice-President of the Alumni Association of the University of Lagos, Dr. Bala Yesufu; the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Association, Hon. Deji Owoeye, lecturers from the University of Lagos as well as management staff of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, among others.