Abuja: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has unveiled a comprehensive framework and guidelines aimed at strengthening procurement practices in Nigerian universities. Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General of BPP, announced this development during the Special University Council Retreat Programme organized by the Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) in Enugu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adedokun stated that the guidelines are aligned with global best practices to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and direct benefits to Nigerians. A key aspect of these guidelines is the adoption and usage of the Revised Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs) by the universities.
The guidelines also emphasize transparency and accountability through online submissions of requests and quarterly reports of procurement activities. Strategic planning is encouraged to align procurement with university priorities, positioning institutions as national and global leaders through world-class infrastructure. Capacity building is highlighted to enhance the utilization of BPP-approved training programs, such as continuous mandatory capacity programs and the Nigeria Procurement Certification Programme (NPCP).
Adedokun mentioned that university councils have a role in providing oversight functions to ensure management complies with BPP guidelines promptly and in issuing applicable administrative sanctions. He stressed the importance of procurement integrity to national development, urging universities to lead in demonstrating transparent, accountable, and sustainable use of resources.
Procurement is crucial for supporting quality teaching and learning facilities, research infrastructure, and equipment, as well as ensuring the fair allocation of resources. It is also vital for promoting local content and participation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas such as education, health, innovation, and infrastructure.
Adedokun underscored the need for procurement to be treated as a professional cadre, with officers recruited to grow through the ranks. He noted that no person can head a procurement department in a university without approved training from the BPP. Procurement officers are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards, and failure to meet these standards could result in removal and sanctions.
The Director-General expressed satisfaction with the introduction of a public procurement course for final-year students by the university and other related reforms. He urged universities to embrace these guidelines to transform and position Nigerian universities as global models of integrity-driven growth and economic development. He concluded by stating that effective procurement is essential for governance and the prosperity of nations.