The Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria) has introduced its Chartered Director Certification (ChDC) programme, a professional development initiative designed to raise standards in directorship, corporate governance and leadership across Nigeria.

According to the institute, the programme provides professionals with a structured route to develop, validate and demonstrate the competencies needed to perform effectively as members of company boards.

Professionals who successfully complete the certification will earn the Chartered Director designation and be authorised to use the professional suffix “Ch.Dir.”

The launch comes after CIoD Nigeria was granted chartered status under the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2023.

Speaking at the launch, CIoD Nigeria President Adetunji Oyebanji said the certification programme was developed in response to the increasing need for directors to complement practical experience with professionally assessed competence.

“Experience remains important, but experience alone is no longer sufficient. Directors require a structured pathway through which their knowledge can be developed, their competence validated and their professional standards continually strengthened,” he said.

The institute said stronger governance and leadership capabilities could benefit small and growing businesses by supporting improved decision-making, accountability, risk management and long-term sustainability as companies grow and their operations become more complex.

The ChDC programme uses a flexible blended learning approach and consists of three stages: the Certificate in Company Directorship, the Advanced Certificate in Company Directorship and the Chartered Directorship.

At the final stage, candidates will undergo an experience-based assessment and professional interview. The assessment is intended to establish their ability to apply their knowledge, experience and judgement to actual boardroom situations.

Amina Oyagbola, First Vice President of CIoD Nigeria, described the initiative as an important development in efforts to enhance the standard of directorship and corporate governance in the country.

“Today, we have unveiled more than a certification programme. We have affirmed a higher standard for directorship and renewed our commitment to building better directors, stronger boards and more resilient institutions,” she said.

Foluso Olaniyan, Chairman of the Director Development and Certification Committee, said the structure of the programme was intended to help professionals demonstrate competence rather than rely solely on their years of experience.

“The programme offers a journey from experience to examined competence, and from professional aspiration to accountable recognition,” she said.

The Director-General of CIoD Nigeria, Taiwo Nolas-Alausa, said the broader objective of the initiative was to strengthen the quality of judgement and accountability directors contribute to boardrooms.

The development of competent directors and effective governance systems could be particularly important as Nigerian businesses pursue sustainable growth, seek investment and build stronger institutional structures. The need is especially relevant to enterprises moving from founder-led operations towards more structured corporate management.

Source: msmeafricaonline