Federal Government Issues 12-Month Grace Period for HR Certification
The federal government has granted human resources officers in the civil service a 12-month grace period to obtain essential professional qualifications, as announced in a circular obtained by Business Day on Monday.
Details on Certification Requirements and Transition Provisions
Signed by Esther Wolson-Jack, the director of the federation’s civil service department, the circular outlines the necessary certification requirements, transition provisions, and criteria for positioning administrative leadership personnel in HR roles across various agencies.
Implementation of Professionalization Initiatives
This initiative supports the implementation of previous circulars—specifically, reference number HCSF/CMO/PMD/035/1/64 dated August 31, 2023, and HCSF/SPSO/ODD/CND/100/S.1/195 dated March 2, 2024—which focus on the professionalization of personnel management within the federal civil service.
Recognized HR Professional Certifications by the Government
The Federal Government has stated that the Office of the Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service (OHCSF) recognizes only specific human resource professional certifications. These include credentials from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) in the United Kingdom, the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) in the United States, and the Canadian Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), among others approved by the OHCSF.
Defining HR Roles and Responsibilities
The circular clarifies the roles of human resources professionals within ministries, non-ministerial departments, and agencies. These roles encompass workforce planning and recruitment, onboarding, maintenance of employee records, performance management, career development, and training. Additional responsibilities may include staff benefits, compensation, employee relations, and retirement management, as authorized by the Civil Service Director.
Immediate Effectiveness and Grace Period Details
This circular takes immediate effect and allows a 12-month grace period for affected officers to acquire the required personnel certifications. During this suspension period, officers may retain their current positions or be reassigned, provided they present evidence of registration and progress toward certification within six months of the circular’s release.
Certification Requirements Post Grace Period
After the grace period ends, possessing an approved personnel certification will be mandatory for placement in human resources positions throughout the civil service, including roles within the Office of Career Management and the Service Policy and Strategy Office. This policy aims to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of human resources operations across the federal civil service.
