Prof Maryam Abdu appointed CeProd governing council president

Professor Maryam Abdu has been named President of the Governing Council at the Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development (CeProd). She replaces Professor Sandeep Kumar Gupta, who established the council's foundations. In her inauguration remarks, Abdu emphasized her approach of "continuity with improvement." She outlined CeProd's plans to leverage its existing strengths while tackling new challenges like AI, digital transformation, climate change, shifting work patterns, and economic instability.

Abdu reframed productivity, arguing it should focus on smarter work methods, resource efficiency, and value creation. She stressed that national development in Nigeria and Africa depends on prioritizing productivity. The centre will concentrate on public-sector efficiency, private-sector competitiveness, entrepreneurship, workforce training, digital transformation, and organizational excellence.

Abdu also pushed for integrating productivity measurement and performance enhancement into the management culture of governments, businesses, and institutions. She highlighted the importance of preparing professionals for the evolving workplace through AI and emerging technologies. Collaboration among CeProd Fellows and members through research, knowledge exchange, and professional growth was also a priority.

CeProd's Director-General, Dr. Chris Egbu, expressed confidence in Abdu's leadership and encouraged stronger collaboration among the governing council, management, and other stakeholders.