CIPM Announces Membership Growth and Digital Innovation Milestones at 57th AGM

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) re‑elected its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM, fnli, for another term during its 57th Annual General Meeting (AGM). The institute also announced key milestones in membership growth, digital transformation, and regulatory enforcement.

Gobir received 2,784 votes to retain his position, while Vice President Mrs. Chidinma Justina Obiejesi, FCIPM, was re‑elected with 1,469 votes. Mr. Adeyemi Ajayi, FCIPM, Chartered FCIPD, was elected National Treasurer, polling 1,785 votes.

Several Governing Council members were returned to office, including Eng. Sean Olabode Badiru, MCIPM (2,334 votes), Mrs. Sa’adatu Asabe Faruk, MCIPM (2,279), Mr. Michael Ewomazino Ogu, MCIPM (1,992), and Comrade Osahon Omole, MCIPM (1,750). Dr. Sabastine Okeke, FCIPM, was elected as a new Council Member with 1,698 votes.

During his scorecard presentation, Gobir highlighted the Institute’s achievements over the past year, noting unprecedented membership growth, accelerated digital transformation, stronger regulatory enforcement, and increased global recognition.

Membership rose from about 1,700 in 2023 to over 3,000 in 2025, while total membership reached 27,000. Gobir attributed this growth to focused efforts to strengthen professionalism and expand the Institute’s reach nationwide.

The Institute intensified its enforcement of professional standards through regulatory advocacy, public sensitisation campaigns, delisting exercises, professional compliance initiatives, and strategic engagement with government institutions.

A key highlight was the rapid digital transformation of the Institute. Gobir disclosed the launch of several technology‑driven platforms, including a new examination portal, membership application portal, e‑voting platform, upgraded members’ portal, learning and conference portal, Human Resource Practitioners License (HRPL) portal, CIPM mobile application, and the integration of the Body of Competence and Knowledge framework.

Internationally, the Institute strengthened its global footprint through collaborations with leading professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the United Kingdom, Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Canada, the African Human Resources Confederation (AHRC), and the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA).

These partnerships have created additional opportunities for members and enhanced the Institute’s international profile.

Reflecting on the Institute’s progress, Gobir said the past year’s achievements demonstrate a commitment to innovation, growth, and professional excellence.

“When future generations look back at this period in our history, they will see an institute that chose progress over complacency, innovation over tradition, growth over stagnation, and courage over comfort,” he said.

Members who spoke at the AGM praised the leadership team and Governing Council for a successful year of institutional growth and visibility.

Several members highlighted the Institute’s increased media visibility, noting that it has reinforced CIPM’s position as the statutory regulatory body for human resource management practice in Nigeria and encouraged more HR practitioners to seek certification.

They also lauded the mutual recognition arrangements with CPHR Canada and CIPD UK, describing the partnerships as beneficial to Nigerian HR professionals seeking global career opportunities.

Members urged the Institute to continue its advocacy efforts to ensure that human resource practitioners in Nigeria obtain professional certification and comply with established regulatory standards.

The AGM concluded with renewed confidence in the Institute’s future direction, as members expressed support for the leadership’s commitment to strengthening professionalism, deepening regulatory compliance, advancing digital innovation, and positioning Nigerian HR practice on the global stage.