In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of Nigerian polytechnic students, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS). The partnership is designed to provide students with industry‑relevant training, global‑standard certification, and exposure to professional networks that will better position them for nation-building.
In her remarks, the Registrar/Chief Executive of CIPM, Ms. Oluwatoyin Naiwo, FCIPM, Chartered FCIPD, commended the students for their commitment to seeing the MoU through. She highlighted the value of CIPM membership, which she said confers global recognition due to the Institute’s mutual affiliations with the CIPD (UK) and CPHR (Canada). “Being members of the Institute makes you a global asset. You must continue to acquire values that set you apart and prepare you to go global.” She stated.
Ms. Naiwo also urged the students to contribute to building a stronger Nigeria by embodying professionalism, integrity, and excellence. She warned against the prevailing notion that leaving the country is the only route to success, as meaningful impact can be achieved locally. “The institute wants to train and hand over to a younger workforce that wants to make an impact and be different in a positive way that will make Nigeria better.” She further advised the students to conduct themselves peacefully during their elections, stressing that the Institute aims to nurture a future workforce capable of engaging government constructively and non‑violently. The Registrar concluded by encouraging the students to be proud ambassadors of the Institute and contribute to building the Nigeria they desire.
On his part, the President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Oyewumi Festus, described the agreement as a “landmark opportunity” for the student body, emphasizing that the collaboration aligns with the association’s long-term vision of empowering its members.
“We are grateful to CIPM for granting us this remarkable opportunity to partner with a global organization,” he said. “Our students across the country will be strong ambassadors of CIPM going forward.”
Festus revealed that NAPS first approached CIPM in 2024 with a proposal for partnership, noting that the association’s goal is to ensure students gain not only academic knowledge but also the soft and professional skills required to contribute meaningfully to society. He added that members intend to participate actively in CIPM conferences and professional activities to broaden their exposure.
Also speaking at the event, NAPS National Stakeholders Adviser, Comrade Abdulmumeen Ibrahim, assured that the association will work closely with students and lecturers nationwide to maximize the benefits of the partnership.
In his closing remarks, CIPM Deputy Registrar, Mr. Gbenga Odetunde, MCIPM, applauded the NAPS leadership for pursuing the initiative and urged them to put the MoU into meaningful use.
As the ceremony came to an end, the message was clear: the MoU marks not just an agreement on paper, but the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at shaping a more competent, confident, and globally competitive future workforce for the nation.
