Nigeria has taken a significant step in human resource development with the launch of the country’s first training centre approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The centre, unveiled in Lagos by We-are HR, is designed to equip HR professionals in Nigeria and across Africa with globally recognised qualifications aimed at improving organisational performance and workplace practices.
The initiative is expected to enable HR practitioners to obtain international certification and strengthen their strategic roles within organisations, particularly as workplaces continue to evolve amid globalisation, artificial intelligence, and the rise of remote work.
Speaking at the launch, the founder of We-are HR, Ms. Natassia Hieber, said the centre was established to help HR professionals move beyond routine personnel administration and assume more strategic leadership responsibilities. She explained that the programme is focused on equipping practitioners with the expertise required to enhance organisations by improving people’s working lives.
“A CIPD qualification is not just a tick-box exercise. It is a period of learning and growth where you understand how to improve organisations by improving people’s lives and working lives,” she said.
Hieber added that earning a CIPD qualification enables HR practitioners to guide managers more effectively and manage organisational change with greater competence.
She noted that Nigeria was selected as the launch location because of its dynamic business environment and existing partnerships with local stakeholders, including GoldsteadTraining and HR Expo Africa.
According to her, the centre will offer a range of CIPD programmes, including the Foundation level, which runs for six months; the Level 5 Associate qualification, lasting approximately one year; and the Level 7 programme, which can take up to 24 months and is equivalent to a master’s degree. Fast-track options will also be available to participants.
Hieber further explained that organisations stand to benefit significantly from employing qualified HR professionals, particularly during periods of economic strain when companies face restructuring and job losses.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of We-are HR, Mr. Muaaz Abid, described CIPD certification as a valuable international credential that can help HR professionals transition into more strategic roles.
Abid acknowledged that the certification may be costly, but assured stakeholders that pricing would be adjusted to reflect the realities of the Nigerian market.
He added that the centre was established to address the shortage of CIPD- and CMI-approved institutions in Africa, positioning We-are HR as a pioneer in advancing HR development across the continent.
