Nigeria's Federal Government has given human resources staff in the civil service one year to obtain professional qualifications. A circular sighted by BusinessDay on Monday contains the directive.
Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service, signed the notice. It spells out certification rules and conditions for moving Administrative officers into HR positions across the service.
The move follows two earlier circulars on professionalizing HR management in the federal civil service. Those directives came out in August 2023 and March 2024.
Which certifications will the government accept? Only those from recognized international and local bodies, according to the circular.
The Office of the Head of Civil Service will recognize credentials from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). It'll also accept the UK's Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Acceptable bodies also include the US-based Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Canada's Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) qualifications count too.
The Human Resource Certification Institute, another American organization, sits on the approved list. OHCSF can greenlight other certification bodies as needed.
What exactly is an HR role in government? It covers workforce planning and hiring, bringing staff onboard, and managing employee records.
Performance reviews and career development fall under the definition. Training programs and staff welfare are included as well.
Compensation, discipline, and employee relations responsibilities also qualify. Exit management and other functions the Head of Service approves are part of it.
The circular takes effect immediately. Affected officers have twelve months from now to secure approved certification.
What can staff do during this grace period? They can stay in current roles or get reassigned to other positions.
There's one condition though. Within six months, they must show proof of enrollment and real progress toward earning their credentials.
After the moratorium ends, things change. HR certification becomes mandatory for anyone working in HR departments across the civil service.
Several key offices require this certification too. The Career Management Office in the Head of Civil Service's office tops the list.
Certification is also compulsory for positions in the Service Policies and Strategies Office. The Service Welfare Office has the same requirement.
Staff at the Federal Civil Service Commission must carry approved credentials as well. No exceptions will be granted after the twelve-month window closes.
