Photo Credit: Photo from original report by The Sun Nigeria / Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria
CIoD Raises Bar for Directorship to Boost Nigerian Economy, Corporate Governance

The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria is raising the standard for directorship in Nigeria, a strategic move aimed at strengthening corporate governance, curbing boardroom failures, and making the nation’s business environment more transparent, accountable and attractive to investors.

The Institute disclosed this at a press conference to unveil its Chartered Director Certification Programme (CDCP) held at its headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking at the event themed “Advancing Board Excellence and Corporate Governance Through the Chartered Director Certification,” the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, CIoD Nigeria, Otunba Oyebanji, said the certification has become imperative for sustainable institutional and national development.

According to him, boards play a critical role in every organisation by providing strategic direction, overseeing management, and safeguarding stakeholders’ interests.

“The decisions made in boardrooms affect not only organisations and their shareholders, they also affect employees, customers, investors, communities and the wider economy. Directorship must therefore be recognised as a position of profound responsibility requiring competence, sound judgement, integrity and continuous professional development,” Oyebanji said.

He explained that the CDCP combines structured learning, practical boardroom experience, rigorous examinations and experience-based assessment. The programme will be delivered via a flexible virtual learning model designed for busy directors and senior executives without compromising academic and professional rigour.

The certification pathway has three progressive stages:
Stage I: Certificate in Company Directorship
Stage II: Advanced Certificate in Company Directorship
Stage III: Chartered Directorship stage

Those who complete all requirements will earn the Chartered Director designation and can use the professional suffix “Ch.Dir” – a mark of competence, ethical leadership and commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance.

Oyebanji stressed that the award remains subject to the Institute’s membership, experience, assessment, ethical and fit-and-proper requirements, adding that any member found guilty of misconduct will face disciplinary action.

He noted that organisations stand to benefit significantly as boards with competent and ethical directors are better positioned to manage risks, inspire stakeholder confidence and create sustainable value.

Also speaking, the First Vice President of CIoD Nigeria, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, described the programme as more than a certification, but an affirmation of a higher standard for directorship in Nigeria.

The Chairman, Director Development and Certification Committee, Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan, said the programme moves candidates “from experience to examined competence, and from professional aspiration to accountable recognition.”

The Director-General/CEO of the Institute, Dr. Taiwo Nolas-Alausa, added that the programme is about strengthening the quality of judgement and accountability directors bring to the boardroom, noting that the designation signals a higher level of accountability.

The CDCP curriculum covers corporate governance, board roles and responsibilities, strategic leadership, financial stewardship, risk management and internal control, board effectiveness, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, as well as personal leadership development.
Source: The Sun Nigeria