We-Are HR has launched its first Nigerian Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which is an approved centre to upskill human resource professionals.

The launch, held in Lagos, recently, was a major step in professionalising human resource practice with Nigeria’s CIPD-approved centre in collaboration with HR Expo Africa (HREA) and Goldstead Resources Company.

The organisers of the event described the launch as a strategic move to equip HR practitioners across Nigeria and Africa with globally recognised qualifications that would enhance organisational performance and improve working relationships.
Speaking at the launch, the Convener of We-Are HR, Natassia Hieber, said the initiative was designed to help HR professionals move beyond routine personnel management into more strategic leadership roles.

She said that a CIPD qualification is not just a tick-box exercise, but a period of learning and growth where one understands how to improve organisations by improving people and working lives.

HR, according to the founder, has never been more important, especially in a world shaped by rapid globalisation, artificial intelligence, and the shift toward remote working.

Hieber explained that organisations have undergone so much change, and HR professionals must manage these changes and guide managers in making the best decisions.

In the same vein, the General Manager of We-are HR, Muaaz Abid, described the CIPD certification as a valuable international credential that provides professionals with the skills and tools needed to advance into strategic roles. He noted that CIPD certification would give one knowledge and aspirations needed to climb up the ladder, adding that it is a top-up qualification that supports growth within organisations.

The General Manager said cost of certification may appear high, however, he said pricing would be adapted for the Nigerian market.

Assuring Nigerians that it is an international qualification delivered by experienced professionals, Abid said, “but we will not charge the same fees as in the UK. Nigeria will have special pricing.”

He 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 upskilling less accessible on the continent.

“Africa has been neglected by international bodies in this regard. We want learning and upskilling to be accessible to everyone, and that is why we are here,” Abid said.

The launch positions We-Are HR as a pioneering hub for HR development in Nigeria, with organisers expressing hope that the centre will empower practitioners to navigate emerging workplace challenges and drive sustainable organisational growth.
Also, the founder of HR Expo Africa, Erefa Coker, in her contribution, said, the collaboration with HR Expo Africa (HREA) and Goldstead Resources Company Limited would underscore a shared commitment to elevating the HR profession in Nigeria and aligning local practice with global best standards.

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

“The launch 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 centre is positioned to contribute meaningfully to improved organisational performance, workforce productivity, and national development outcomes.”

She added that with Nigeria’s growing workforce and expanding corporate landscape, the presence of a dedicated CIPD centre would reinforce the importance of professionalising people management and embedding strategic HR as a core driver of business success.

The CIPD globally is recognised, according to Coker, for setting the benchmark in HR and people development practice, with a longstanding reputation for championing better work and working lives.

“The launch of its Nigerian centre signals a new chapter in advancing professional excellence and
strengthening the future of work across the country,” she added.