Registrar: Institute committed to training of professionals to curb quackery
By Christy Ohimai Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) Prof. Mohammed Aliyu has restated the commitment of the institute
By Christy Ohimai
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) Prof. Mohammed Aliyu has restated the commitment of the institute to training professionals to stem the infiltration of unqualified practitioners and quackery, stressing that poor procurement practices are hampering economic development in the nation.
Stressing that procurement is not an all-comers affair, the Registrar said, "The institute has been doing a lot. You know, they say that a tree cannot make a forest. Just as I mentioned that part of it that's supposed to be everybody's affair is that of the council. And it's only the issue that they are shouting that why council is not inaugurated. The council does provide the people is not inaugurated.
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"Two, we have been doing training for the professionals, that is what we call graduate conversion programme.
We train them to write the exam just like any other profession. Those who are appointed or employed, they are not procurement professionals. Therefore, they don't want to work with the institute for the development of the country. That one is affecting the government. If the government goes to power, that area is very key that is affecting the economy. Because when a square peg is put in a round hole, it doesn't hold. It cannot work. Until that area is identified and addressed appropriately, the citizen will not be able to enjoy the dividend of democracy that we are talking about. Because somebody who doesn't know anything is saddled to do the job."
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Prof. Aliyu said the sector has been taken over by individuals without the necessary skills and knowhow.
“Everybody wants to do the job without the knowledge. Procurement is a profession, and it should be treated as such. You don’t allow just anyone to perform surgery," he added.
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The don disclosed that the institute had been advocating proper implementation of the Procurement Act being flouted indiscriminately.
“The law is clear, but it’s not being followed. The Council that is supposed to supervise the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has not been inaugurated, and this is affecting the economy. It’s like having a referee who doesn’t know the rules of the game," he added.
He, however, said that lack of professionalism in procurement had led to a situation where contracts are awarded to unqualified individuals and companies, resulting in poor quality work and a waste of public funds.
“This is not just about procurement; it’s about the future of our country. If we don’t get procurement right, we won’t be able to build the roads, schools, and hospitals that our people need.”
He charged the government to ensure that procurement professionals are given responsibility for managing the sector, adding that this would lead to better value for money and reduced corruption.
The don urged young professionals to consider a career in procurement, saying that it is a rewarding and challenging field that offers opportunities for growth and development.
