Public Procurement Experts Advocate Reforms for Efficient Service Delivery in Bayelsa Tertiary Institutions
The Niger Delta University Business School on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, hosted a One-Day Workshop on Procurement and Supply Chain Management with the theme, “Re-engineering the Procurement System in Tertiary Institutions in Bayelsa State for Efficient Service Delivery.”
The workshop, held at the NDU Business School, Isaac Boro Road, Okaka Junction, Yenagoa, brought together vice-chancellors, provosts, rectors, procurement practitioners, administrators, academics, and other stakeholders in the education sector to examine strategies for improving procurement processes and institutional service delivery.
The event was hosted by the Dean of the NDU Business School, Professor Miebi Ugwuzor, under the distinguished leadership of the Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University and Chief Host, Professor Allen A. Agih.
Among the notable participants were the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi; Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Professor Reginald I. Kermiah; Provost of Bayelsa State College of Technology, Professor Timpia Richard Ogoun; Provost, Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences, Tombia-Ekpetiama, Dr. Kenneth Belinodei Wasini; Rector of the Institute of Vocational Education and Training, Dr. Zuobomudor E. Agbana; Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Dr. Timinie Suowari; and Rector of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Dr. Wisdom C. Soreh, among others.
Delivering the lead presentation, Engr. Nelson Ojouboh, MNSE, CMILT, Head of Training Department, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), emphasized the critical role of transparency, accountability, competitiveness, and value for money in public procurement.
Speaking on the topic, “Re-engineering the Procurement System in Tertiary Institutions in Bayelsa State for Efficient Service Delivery,” he stressed that procurement planning, due process compliance, and adherence to the Public Procurement Act remain fundamental to achieving efficient utilization of public resources.
Engr. Ojouboh explained that public procurement extends beyond contract awards to encompass needs assessment, procurement planning, budgeting, bidding, contract management, monitoring, and project delivery. He noted that dwindling public revenues make prudent management of resources imperative, adding that every expenditure must deliver measurable value.
The procurement expert further highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of procurement officers and institutional leaders, ensuring compliance with procurement laws, and adopting modern procurement tools and standard bidding documents developed by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Participants were also exposed to procurement implementation procedures, bid evaluation processes, procurement planning frameworks, contract management mechanisms, and the responsibilities of procurement planning committees and tenders boards within public institutions
The workshop featured interactive discussions and experience-sharing sessions, during which participants examined practical challenges affecting procurement administration in tertiary institutions and explored solutions for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and institutional accountability.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Allen A. Agih, commended the initiative, noting that effective procurement systems are indispensable for institutional growth, infrastructure development, and quality service delivery in higher education.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to strengthen procurement governance, improve compliance with regulatory frameworks, and promote best practices that will support sustainable development and efficient service delivery across tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State.
Information and Publication Unit
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
