Institute Cracks Down On Quacks, Calls For Calm Over Political Tensions

Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising the human resource profession in Nigeria.

It warned of the rising number of unqualified practitioners and called for restraint amid growing political tensions.

Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja, the immediate past president of CIPM Nigeria, Segun Mojeed, stressed the need for a functional work environment to enhance productivity, noting that inefficiencies within systems directly hinder performance.

“The environment must work. If it is not functioning well, workers will not be able to operate effectively,” he said.

Mojeed disclosed that the institute has intensified efforts to eliminate quacks posing as certified personnel managers, adding that CIPM has issued several public notices and is collaborating with relevant government agencies to enforce professional standards.

“We are on top of the situation. We have released several times and are collaborating with the government. At the appropriate time, more actions will be taken,” he stated.

He emphasised that CIPM remains the only legally recognised body regulating human resource practice in Nigeria, noting that its certification process is thorough and cannot be circumvented.

“As we speak today, CIPM is the only recognised body. You cannot jump the process. Some individuals have been parading questionable certificates, but they are now seeing the handwriting on the wall,” he added.

The former president further revealed that the institute has begun reviewing its membership register, including delisting inactive members, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and credibility within the profession.

According to him, CIPM certification enjoys global recognition, unlike many unaccredited local alternatives.

“You cannot present just any Nigerian HR certificate abroad—in places like the UK or Canada—except that it is from CIPM. The world is now a global village, and we must protect the integrity of the profession for future generations,” he said.

He also hinted at possible legal action against defaulters, stressing that the institute is prepared to uphold standards through lawful means.

On the political climate, Mojeed urged Nigerians not to inflame tensions over fears of a one-party state, noting that political dominance has historically shifted across parties.

“There is no need to heat the polity. We have seen situations before where one party dominated and power later changed hands. It is part of a cycle,” he said.

He called on citizens to respect the rule of law and allow democratic institutions, particularly the courts, to perform their roles.

“There is still law in this country. Let us follow due process and allow the courts to decide. Democracy requires patience and adherence to legal frameworks,” he added.

Also speaking, the chairman of the CIPM Abuja Branch, Segun Aina, described the engagement as more than a routine interaction, calling it “a conversation about the future of work, the future of organisations, and ultimately, the future of Nigeria.”

He noted that rapid changes in the global workplace, rising leadership expectations, and increasing organisational complexities require HR to evolve into a strategic business driver.

HR must move from a support function to a strategic business driver in Nigeria. This is not optional—it is necessary. The future of our economy will be determined by how well we manage our people,” he said.

Aina urged government and public sector leaders to prioritise human capital development, stressing that policies alone cannot deliver results without effective people management systems.

“When HR is strategic, governance becomes more effective, more responsive, and more impactful,” he stated.

He also charged corporate organisations to recognise people as their greatest asset, emphasising the importance of talent development, organisational culture, and alignment of HR strategy with business goals.

“Your real competitive advantage is your people—your ability to attract talent, develop skills, and align people strategy with business goals,” he said.

Addressing young professionals, Aina highlighted the need for continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.

“Skills, adaptability, and continuous learning are now the real currency. You must take responsibility for your growth and position yourself for opportunities,” he advised.

He reaffirmed the Abuja Branch’s commitment to capacity building and professional excellence, noting that, with over 700 members, it is positioning itself as a hub for human capital transformation in Nigeria.

Speaking about the branch’s upcoming conference, he described it as a “transformation platform” that brings together key stakeholders to develop actionable strategies for national and organisational growth.

“This is not just another conference—it is about shaping the future of work in Nigeria,” he said.

Aina also called on organisations and stakeholders to partner with CIPM, while urging the media to play a more active role in promoting conversations around human capital development.

“We are not just asking you to report what we do—we are inviting you to amplify conversations around human capital, highlight workplace realities, and showcase success stories that inspire,” he added.

He noted that the media parley underscores the importance of collaboration in building a stronger workforce and advancing sustainable national development.