CeProd Strengthens Governing Council with Two Distinguished Professors, Deepens Focus on National Productivity and Development

The Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development (CeProd) has strengthened its Governing Council with the appointment of two distinguished academic leaders: Prof. Gabbey Gostina Malope FCP of South Africa and Prof. Abubakar Jafar Usman, FCP, of Nigeria. The strategic appointments aim to infuse the Council with international expertise, cross-sector governance, and health-security strategy to address Africa's pressing productivity and economic challenges.

The appointments come at a critical juncture as Africa seeks innovative models to enhance public and private sector output, optimize human capital, and achieve sustainable economic growth. By incorporating leaders with deep experience in pan-African trade, agricultural innovation, and global health security, CeProd expands its mandate beyond traditional productivity training toward holistic institutional development.

“I am passionate about strengthening governance, supporting strategic decision-making, and building partnerships that advance inclusive education and sustainable development,” said Prof. Gabbey Gostina Malope, commenting on her appointment. “I bring practical leadership and a strong commitment to ensuring that the Council's decisions create measurable, lasting impact across Africa.”

Prof. Malope brings a wide-ranging portfolio in institutional leadership, agricultural development, international trade facilitation, and policy formulation. She serves as the Founder and Group CEO of Toutele Academies Group, Vice-Chancellor of Toutele Agriculture University, and Country Director for the U.S.–Africa Trade Commission (South Africa Chapter). Additionally, she serves as Admissions Ambassador for Southern Africa at Porto Business School. Her background in rural industrialization, youth and women's empowerment, and community mobilization adds a vital dimension to CeProd’s mission of linking productivity to inclusive economic development.

Highlighting his strategic focus for the Council, Prof. Abubakar Jafar Usman, FCP, stated:

“My objective is to play a strategic, advisory, and leadership role in steering CeProd toward its core mission of maximizing productivity across Nigeria's public and private sectors to stimulate broad-based national growth.”

Prof. Usman, a Professor of Global Health and Policy, epidemiologist, and medical consultant, brings key expertise at the intersection of public health strategy, national security, and human capital performance. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), London, and the West African College of Physicians (WACP), Prof. Usman has held prominent roles including Director of Health and Human Services for Nigeria Action Strategy (N-CAS) at The Task Force for Global Health and coordinating presidential medical services in Nigeria. His technical specialization in global health security, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness reinforces CeProd's focus on building resilient, capable workforces.

A Strategic Addition to Africa's Productivity Agenda

The integration of Prof. Malope and Prof. Usman broadens the Governing Council's focus:

• Prof. Malope leverages her strengths in strategic governance, program development, government relations, and cross-border partnership building to enhance institutional productivity and agricultural transformation.
• Prof. Usman focuses on strategic planning, leadership capacity development, and health security frameworks essential for protecting and optimizing human capital.

Together, their leadership underscores CeProd’s belief that productivity is not simply about working harder, but about establishing robust systems, health frameworks, governance structures, and innovative partnerships that empower organizations to achieve maximum results with available resources.

CeProd expressed strong confidence that both appointees will play central roles in driving policy formulation, executive capacity building, and pan-African research initiatives aimed at long-term economic development.