We-Are HR, in collaboration with HR Expo Africa (HREA) and Goldstead Resources Company, has launched a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) approved centre in Lagos, marking a major step toward strengthening human resource practice across Africa.
The centre was unveiled at an event in Lagos and described by organisers as a strategic move to equip HR practitioners with globally recognised qualifications that enhance organisational performance and improve working lives.
Speaking at the launch, Natasia Hieber, founder of We-Are HR, said the initiative was created to help HR professionals move beyond routine personnel management into more strategic leadership roles.
Hieber explained that a CIPD qualification is more than a certificate. “It’s a journey of growth, where you learn to boost organisations by enhancing people’s work,’’ she said.
She noted that HR has become increasingly important in a world shaped by rapid globalisation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the shift toward remote working.
“Organisations have gone through so much change, and these changes must be managed by HR professionals. To guide managers in making the best decisions, HR practitioners must have the knowledge to think strategically,” Hieber stated.
According to her, Nigeria was selected as the launch location because of its vibrant business environment and strong local partnerships, including Goldstead Resources Company and HR Expo Africa.
“Nigeria is one of my favourite places to be. Lagos is fast and vibrant, and partnering with organisations that understand the Nigerian market made this the right time to launch,” she said.
The CIPD programmes offered at the centre will cover multiple academic levels. These begin with a foundation qualification, progress to Level 5 at associate level, and culminate in Level 7, which is equivalent to a master’s degree for senior HR leaders.
Hieber explained that the foundation programme typically runs for six months. Level 5 lasts about one year, while Level 7 can take up to 24 months to complete. She added that fast-track options would also be available for qualified candidates.
She stressed that organisations would benefit from employing qualified HR practitioners, especially during challenging economic periods marked by job losses, redundancies, and cost-cutting measures.
“HR professionals need the tools to manage transitions in a professional and empathetic way, ensuring employees are looked after even during difficult organisational changes,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Muaaz Abid, general manager of We-Are HR, described the CIPD certification as a respected international credential that equips professionals with the skills required to advance into strategic roles.
“It gives you the knowledge and aspirations you need to climb up the ladder. It is a top-up qualification that supports growth within organisations,” he said.
While acknowledging that the cost of certification may seem high, Abid assured participants that pricing would be adapted for the Nigerian market.
“It is an international qualification delivered by experienced professionals, but we will not charge the same fees as in the UK. Nigeria will have special pricing,” he said.
Abid added that the decision to establish the centre was influenced by the absence of CIPD and CMI-approved institutions across Africa, which has made professional up skilling less accessible on the continent.
“Africa has been neglected by international bodies in this regard. We want learning and up skilling to be accessible to everyone, and that is why we are here,’’ he stated.
The launch positions We-Are HR as a growing hub for HR development in Nigeria. Organisers expressed confidence that the centre would empower practitioners to address emerging workplace challenges and drive sustainable organisational growth.
Also speaking, Erefa Coker, founder of HR Expo Africa, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the HR profession in Nigeria and aligning local practices with global standards.
“The collaboration with HR Expo Africa, and Goldstead Resources Company Limited underscores a shared commitment to elevating the HR profession in Nigeria and aligning local practice with global best standards,” he said.
Coker explained that through the partnership, the centre aims to drive competence-based HR practice, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support sustainable organisational growth.
He noted that the launch comes at a critical time when Nigerian organisations are facing economic volatility, workforce transformation, digital disruption, and evolving regulatory demands.
“By strengthening professional HR standards and leadership capability, the CIPD center is positioned to contribute meaningfully to improved organisational performance, workforce productivity, and national development outcomes,” Coker said.
He added that with Nigeria’s expanding corporate sector, establishing a CIPD centre highlights the growing need to professionalise people management and position strategic HR as a key driver of business success.
