Continuing Professional Development Center (CPD)

 

Continuing Professional Development Center

Director Message

The Continuing Professional Development Center (CPD) at the National University of Sudan stands as a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to excellence. Since its establishment in 2011, it has provided specialised training programmes, workshops, and courses designed to enhance academic, research, administrative, and professional skills. Through these activities, the CPD empowers individuals and organisations across Sudan and beyond to adapt to evolving changes and challenges at work and address emerging needs.

The CPD began as a small unit and gradually evolved into a vibrant Centre. In 2015, the SDGs became a universal strategic focus. To make a meaningful contribution to society and the environment, the Centre has updated its vision and mission to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals framework. It aligns directly with SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, and 17.   The Centre works independently and through external partnerships with other esteemed organisations to provide lifelong opportunities and activities that support good health and wellbeing, promote quality education, advance research and scholarship, and boost sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The Centre prioritises equity, ensuring opportunities for women, youth, and underserved populations to acquire skills that enhance employability, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The CPD, through its various departments and dedicated, enthusiastic staff, strives to create a dynamic, inspiring hub of continuous learning, prosperity, and excellence.

Eman Ahmed Abdalla Mohamed Kheir

The Continuing Professional Development Center (CPD) at the National University of Sudan stands as a cornerstone of lifelong learning and professional excellence. Established to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, the CPD empowers individuals and organisations across Sudan and beyond to adapt to evolving educational, economic, technological, and social landscapes. By fostering innovation, leadership, and technical proficiency, the center plays a vital role in advancing national development and regional competitiveness.

Our Vision    

The CPD aspires to be a transformative force in professional education, recognised in the country and beyond, with its commitment to nurturing adaptable, skilled professionals. It envisions a future where Sudanese talent drives innovation, sustains economic growth, and addresses critical challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. By fostering partnerships with global institutions, the CPD aims to position National University-Sudan as a hub for knowledge exchange and sustainable development.

Our Mission    

The CPD’s mission is to deliver cutting-edge, accessible, and inclusive training programmes that empower individuals, institutions, and communities. Through collaboration with academia, industry, and policymakers, the center designs workshops that reflect global standards while addressing local needs. It prioritises equity, ensuring opportunities for women, youth, and underserved populations to acquire skills that enhance employability, entrepreneurship, and leadership. By integrating technology and participatory learning, the CPD cultivates a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and ethical practice.

Our Strategic Objectives    

  • Develop competency-based programmes aligned with labour market demands, including emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, global health, technology, and public health.
  • Partner with universities, government agencies, and NGOs to modernise teaching methodologies, administrative systems, and research practices.
  • Offer flexible learning pathways, including micro-credentials, diplomas, and executive education, to support career transitions and upskilling.
  • Establish incubators and innovation labs to foster entrepreneurship and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to align national education policies with international best practices and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Organisational Structure

The Centre for Professional Development (CPD)

Director of the CPD
Responsible for strategic planning, oversight, and external relations
Deputy Director
Assists the Director
Oversees daily operations and coordination among departments
Departments/Units under CPD

Department / Unit Responsibilities Head of Department
Training & Workshops Organising and managing training programs and workshops Manager of Training & Workshops
Research & Development Conducting research to improve the University programmes and develop new initiatives R&D Coordinator
Quality Assurance & Evaluation Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programmes QA & Evaluation Officer
Administrative & Finance Administrative support, budgeting, and financial management Administrative & Finance Manager
Partnerships & Outreach Building collaborations with external organisations and outreach efforts Partnerships & Outreach Coordinator
ICT & E-Learning Managing online platforms, e-learning modules, and IT support ICT & E-Learning Manager

Advisory committee

The Centre for Professional Development at the National University-Sudan is a centre for inspiring lifelong learning and professional excellence. Aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, the CPD empowers individuals and institutions across Sudan to adapt to the rapidly evolving world of education, industry, and technology.

The advisory committee of the centre has the following roles:

Advisory Role

Provide expert advice on scientific, technical, and operational matters related to the Centre for Professional Development at National University (NUSU).

Review and Evaluation

Regularly review the CPD-NUSU activities, programmes, and research projects to ensure alignment with its vision, mission, objectives, and international standards and best practices. Revise periodic reports of the centre.

Strategic Planning

Assist in the development and implementation of strategic plans and priorities

Networking

Facilitate connections and partnerships with relevant bodies and individuals.

Advisory committee members

  • Professor Qurashi Mohamed Ali
  • Professor Ahmed Hassan Fahal
  • Mohamed Abd Elgadir Mahadi
  • Hiba Elzaki
  • Asim Qurashi
  • Hiba Eltayeb

Training Workshops

Training Courses at the Centre for Professional Development

To address the diverse and evolving needs of professionals, the CPD has expanded its training portfolio with specialised and interdisciplinary courses. By continually updating its training activities, the CPD ensures professionals stay ahead of global trends while addressing Sudan’s unique challenges. These courses not only build expertise but also foster networks of collaboration, driving sustainable growth across sectors.

The CPD curates immersive, hands-on workshops tailored to diverse professional needs, and these include:

Leadership & Governance
The CPD’s leadership programmes are designed to cultivate visionary, ethical, and resilient professionals capable of driving organisational and societal change.
Digital Transformation
These courses equip professionals with the technical and strategic skills to thrive in a digitised economy.
Cross-Cutting Skills
These universal competencies enhance adaptability and effectiveness across industries.
Sector-Specific Expertise
Healthcare
The CPD addresses critical gaps in healthcare systems through workshops such as telemedicine & digital health.
Education
Programmes empower educators to innovate and inspire.
Customised Training Solutions
The CPD collaborates with organisations to develop bespoke programmes.

Training Activities

The CPD employs a multifaceted approach to professional development:

  • Certification Programmes: Accredited courses in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2), human resources (HRCI), and language proficiency (English/Arabic for professionals).
  • Public Seminars & Conferences: Annual forums on topics like climate change, entrepreneurship, and education reform, featuring global experts and policymakers.
  • E-Learning Platforms: A digital portal offering self-paced courses, webinars, and resources such as toolkits, research papers, and video tutorials.
  • Mentorship Circles: Structured programs pairing early-career professionals with seasoned industry leaders for career guidance.
  • Community Outreach: Free workshops for rural communities, focusing on vocational skills (e.g., carpentry, IT basics) and financial literacy.
  • Meetings with individual departments or programs at the level of the university
  • Provision of support and advice to individual staff members within the university.
  • Lectures by visiting professors.
  • Review the curriculum for each faculty

Instruction Methodology   

The CPD emphasises experiential and learner-centered approaches:

  • Case-Based Learning: Analysis of real-world scenarios from Sudanese and international contexts.
  • Role-Playing & Simulations: Mock negotiations, disaster response drills, and business pitch competitions.
  • Peer Learning: Collaborative projects and cross-sectoral team assignments to encourage networking.
  • Flipped Classrooms: Pre-workshop readings/videos followed by in-class problem-solving.
  • Gamification: Interactive quizzes and leaderboards to motivate participation.
  • Feedback-Driven Adaptation: Regular assessments and post-training evaluations to refine content delivery.

Trainers and Facilitators

The CPD collaborates with a diverse pool of experts:

  • Academic Scholars: Professors from the National University and international institutions, contributing research-backed insights.
  • Industry Practitioners: CEOs, engineers, healthcare administrators, and tech entrepreneurs sharing field-tested strategies.
  • International Consultants: Specialists from organisations such as UNESCO, UNDP, and the World Bank.
  • Local Innovators: Social entrepreneurs and grassroots leaders addressing community-specific challenges.

Trainers undergo rigorous selection and continuous professional development to ensure pedagogical excellence.

Participant Expectations    

  • Pre-Workshop Preparation: Complete pre-assignments (e.g., self-assessment surveys, readings).
  • Active Engagement: Contribute to discussions, collaborate in teams, and apply lessons to capstone projects.
  • Post-Training Accountability: Implement action plans within their organisations and participate in alumni networks.
  • Feedback: Provide candid evaluations to improve future programs.

Facilities and Resources    

  • State-of-the-Art Classrooms: Equipped with smart boards, video conferencing tools, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
  • Innovation Hub: A co-working space with 3D printers, design software, and prototyping tools for entrepreneurs.
  • Library & Digital Archives: Access to global journals, e-books, and the CPD’s repository of training materials.
  • Auditoriums: Large venues for conferences, product launches, and collaborative events.
  • Residential Accommodations: On-site housing for participants from remote regions.

Collaborations and Partnerships    

The CPD’s success hinges on strategic alliances:

  • Industry Linkages: Partnerships with telecom companies (e.g., Zain Sudan), agricultural cooperatives, and healthcare providers to design demand-driven curricula.
  • Government Collaboration: Joint initiatives with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour to align training with national employment strategies.
  • Global Networks: Membership in regional bodies (e.g., Association of African Universities) and collaborations with institutions like the British Council and Goethe-Institute.
  • NGOs & CSR Programmes: Funding and outreach support from organisations such as Save the Children and UNHCR for refugee education initiatives.
  • Alumni Engagement: A thriving network of graduates mentoring newcomers and advocating for CPD programs.

By integrating tradition with innovation, the CPD remains an encouragement of empowerment, equipping Sudan’s workforce to thrive in an interconnected world.

Workshops and Training Courses

  • Basic teaching skills
  • Quality management in the educational process
  • Test blueprint
  • Assessment tools used in health professions education
  • MCQ Type- A item construction
  • Principles and practice in curriculum development
  • Course design
  • Interprofessional education
  • Instructional methods
  • Proposal writing
  • Grants writing
  • Research Methodology
  • Research Ethics
  • Communication and counselling Skills
  • Clinical trials
  • Good Clinical Practice
  • Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)
  • Implementation Research
  • Biostatistics
  • Data collection and surveys implementation in developing areas