Groups launch centre for Nigerian HR professionals

To empower Nigerian HR professionals to transit from traditional personnel management to strategic leadership roles, We-Are HR in collaboration with HR Expo Africa (HREA) and Goldstead Resources Company has launched Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) approved centre.

The centre, which was unveiled in Lagos marked what organisers described as a strategic move to equip HR practitioners across Africa with globally recognised qualifications that enhance organisational performance and improve working lives.

Speaking at the launch, Natasia Hieber, founder of We-Are HR, disclosed that the initiative was designed to help HR professionals move beyond routine personnel management into more strategic leadership roles.

Hieber emphasised that CIPD qualification was not just a formality. “It’s a journey of growth, where you learn to boost organisations by enhancing people’s work,’’ she explained.

According to her, HR has never been more important, especially in a world shaped by rapid globalisation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the shift toward remote working.

“Organisations have gone through so much change, and these changes must be managed by HR professionals. To guide managers in making the best decisions, HR practitioners must have the knowledge to think strategically.”

Hieber said Nigeria was chosen for the launch because of its vibrant business environment and strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including Goldstead Resources Company and HR Expo Africa.

“Nigeria is one of my favourite places to be. Lagos is fast and vibrant, and partnering with organisations that understand the Nigerian market made this the right time to launch,” she said.

The CIPD programmes offered through the centre will span different academic levels, beginning with a foundation qualification, progressing to Level 5 (associate level), and culminating in Level 7, which is equivalent to a master’s degree for senior HR leaders.

We-Are HR boss went further to explain that the foundation programme typically takes six months, Level 5 lasts about one year, while Level 7 may take up to 24 months, with fast-track options available.

Also, she stressed that organisations would benefit significantly from having qualified HR practitioners, especially in challenging economic times marked by job losses, redundancies, and cost-cutting measures.

“HR professionals need the tools to manage transitions in a professional and empathetic way, ensuring employees are looked after even during difficult organisational changes,” she said.

On his part, Muaaz Abid, general manager of We-are HR, described the CIPD certification as a valuable international credential that provides professionals with the skills and tools needed to advance into strategic roles.

To him, “It gives you the knowledge and aspirations you need to climb up the ladder. It is a top-up qualification that supports growth within organisations.”

While acknowledging that the cost of certification may appear high, Muaaz said pricing would be adapted for the Nigerian market.

“It is an international qualification delivered by experienced professionals, but we will not charge the same fees as in the UK. Nigeria will have special pricing,” he assured.

Muaaz added that the organisation’s decision to establish the centre was informed by the absence of CIPD and CMI-approved institutions across Africa, making professional up skilling less accessible on the continent.

“Africa has been neglected by international bodies in this regard. We want learning and up skilling to be accessible to everyone, and that is why we are here.’’

The launch positions We-Are HR as a pioneering hub for HR development in Nigeria, with organisers expressing hope that the center would empower practitioners to navigate emerging workplace challenges and drive sustainable organisational growth.

Also speaking, the founder of HR Expo Africa, Erefa Coker said, “The collaboration with HR Expo Africa, and Goldstead Resources Company Limited underscores a shared commitment to elevating the HR profession in Nigeria and aligning local practice with global best standards.

“Through this partnership, the centre aimed to drive competence-based HR practice, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support sustainable organisational growth.

The launch, he said comes at a critical time when Nigerian organisations are navigating economic volatility, workforce transformation, digital disruption, and evolving regulatory demands.

“By strengthening professional HR standards and leadership capability, the CIPD center is positioned to contribute meaningfully to improved organisational performance, workforce productivity, and national development outcomes’’.

Coker noted that with Nigeria’s growing corporate sector, establishing a CIPD center underscores the need to professionalise people management and position strategic HR as a key driver of business success.