CIPM sets up HR leadership academy to advance human capital excellence

In a landmark move to redefine the future of Human Resource Management in Nigeria and across Africa, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has officially launched the CIPM HR Leadership Academy.

The Academy is a bold initiative aimed at equipping HR professionals with the skills, mindset, and global perspective needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

In his address, Mallam Ladan Ahmed Gobir, the President of CIPM, declared that the Academy represents more than just a new initiative but a legacy deliberately designed to shape the future of work.

“We live in a world where skills have a shelf life of just three to five years. According to the World Economic Forum, over one billion people will need to be reskilled by 2030 to remain relevant in the workplace.

“In Nigeria, 70 percent of organisations already acknowledge that continuous learning is no longer optional; it is the heartbeat of competitiveness. That, distinguished colleagues, is the foundation of this Academy”, he noted.

He explained that the Academy was born out of deep reflection and recognition of a pressing gap in the professional space. “We are not just training professionals. We will be shaping leaders who, in turn, will shape nations,” Mallam Gobir said.

Victor Eburajolo, the Chairman of the occasion, who officially unveiled the HR Leadership Academy logo, described the establishment as “an idea whose time has come.”

He praised CIPM’s Governing Council and leadership for their foresight, adding that in an era of constant change, disruption, and innovation, one thing remains constant—continuous learning.

“With this Academy, CIPM has created a beacon of knowledge and excellence that will empower HR professionals to rise above challenges and guide organisations into the future”, he added.

“The workplace of today demands more than technical competence,” Popoola noted.

“It requires adaptive leadership, global awareness, and the ability to foster cultures of innovation. The HR Leadership Academy will not only prepare professionals for this reality but also position them to shape policy, drive organisational competitiveness, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.”

He further highlighted that the Academy would help bridge the gap between theory and practice by combining rigorous academic standards with real-world applications.

“This is not just about learning for learning’s sake,” he said. “It is about equipping HR professionals with skills that have immediate relevance and long-term impact.”

Muyiwa Oludayo, the Coordinator of the Academy, described the Academy’s mission as one of empowerment and transformation. “Our programmes are designed to be experiential, evidence-based, and globally benchmarked,” he said. “From short cohort courses to international study tours, the Academy offers a wide spectrum of opportunities that meet professionals at different stages of their careers.”

The Academy’s website will serve as a digital hub enabling seamless enrollment, virtual learning, and access to research and thought leadership resources. Over time, it is expected to integrate a full e-learning platform that will position CIPM as a global player in HR education and development.

With a vision to be the leading institution for advancing HR excellence through education, research, and innovation, and a mission to empower HR professionals with cutting-edge skills, the CIPM HR Leadership Academy is set to redefine human resource practice in Nigeria.