No fewer than 150 students and staff of Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna, participated in the Certified Student Leadership and Professional Excellence Programme (CSLPEP), organised by the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation in partnership with Sustainable Innovation and Development Solutions (SIDES).

The one-day capacity-building programme themed “Professionalization, Leadership, Problem-Solving, Ethical Social Media, and Soft Skills for Career Success and Social Impact” was held on Wednesday at the Ali Dauda Lecture Hall, 

The programme brought together students and staff and equipped them with practical knowledge and skills in leadership, professionalism, problem-solving, responsible social media use and other essential soft skills required for career success and positive societal impact.

Speaking at the opening, the Vice President Administration, Mr. Agwaza Bemdoo, welcomed the participants and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are equipped with leadership qualities and ethical values. 

He commended the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation and SIDES for initiating the programme, noting that it complements classroom learning by preparing students for leadership roles and professional excellence.

In their separate remarks, the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Dr. Auwalu Lawan Danbuzu, and Mal. Abdullahi Ibrahim Mirnga, Dean Students Affairs encouraged the participants to maximise the opportunity by acquiring practical knowledge and skills that would distinguish them in their academic pursuits and future careers.

The training was facilitated by Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, the Executive Director of the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation and Founder of Sustainable Innovation and Development Solutions (SIDES), 

Dr. Sufi urged the participants to see leadership as a responsibility rather than a position, stressing the need for character, confidence and professionalism in addressing contemporary societal challenges.

He encouraged the students to complement their academic qualifications with practical skills, teamwork, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities, noting that such competencies remain essential for success in the modern workplace.

Dr. Sufi also spoke extensively on the ethical use of mobile phones and social media, advising participants to maintain responsible digital behaviour and avoid misinformation, cyberbullying, and other harmful online activities.

The training featured practical exercises, group discussions, brainstorming sessions, case studies and problem-solving activities, providing participants with the opportunity to develop practical solutions to challenges within their communities.

The participants described the training as impactful, noting that it had broadened their understanding of leadership, professionalism, responsible technology use and personal development.