Staff of the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) and the Directorate of Physical Development, Works and Services (DPDW&S) have been trained on safety management by the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
The training, which took place on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja aimed at acquainting the trainees about major safety rules required for the proposed World Bank building project.
It was part of the necessary requirement for ACETEL before earning funds for the construction of its building at the NOUN headquarters.
ACETEL director, Prof. Grace Jokthan, who welcomed the participants to the workshop, said the ESMP sensitisation was the first of its kind, as the team has never been involved in other projects in the university.
“We have never had to go through the rigours of an environmental safety management plan and all that is required.
“It has not been an easy task, but we appreciate the consultants for creating the time to actually go through all that is needed, and these are mandatory processes as far as the World Bank is concerned, for us to have the building of ACETEL in place,” she said.
Jokthan added that by having the ESMP sensitisation workshop, ACETEL was fulfilling one of the regulatory requirements as it also gained personal knowledge.
“As end users of this building, we need to be aware of all the safety rules and regulations that they will guide us through; and we also wish to appreciate them for their time and resources that they have put in for this meeting,” the director said.
ACETEL’s Social and Environmental Safety Officer, Dr. Petu Ibikunle, while giving a general overview of the proposed ACETEL building, explained that to get the World Bank project done, the requirements must be met.
Speaking further, Ibikunle said at the end of the workshop participants would understand World Bank project work ethics.
He mentioned the several stages his unit handles towards meeting the World Bank requirements.
ESMP Consultant, Dr. Linda Akpami, enlightened participants on the need to caution contractors to abide by safety rules so as to avoid air pollution, potential risk of health hazard, ensure proper waste management, prohibition of child labour, prohibition of sexual relations, conflict between workers and the community and school members etc., with a view to preventing the project from being suspended.
She said the major goal of the ESMP in projects like the ACETEL/World Bank project, is to ensure sustainability of the project.
Environmental Sustainability Specialist, Mr. Jesse Ojobor, who is part of the ESMP team, while making his contribution, urged ACETEL to highlight areas that are necessary for the centre to take on.
Representatives of the management of the university, Deputy Registrar, Council, Ms. Wosilat Ainodion and Deputy Registrar, Human Resources, Hajia Fadimatu Fufore, were present at the workshop to give ACETEL support and to gain necessary information and requirements regarding the ACETEL/World Bank building project.
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