The Centre for Management Development (CMD) has urged unaccredited management trainers and consultants to regularise their practice in line with the law, as 26 persons graduate from the centre.

The Director-General (DG) of the centre, Bitrus Chinoko, made the call at the end of a two weeks Advanced Management Development Trainer’s  (MANDEV) in Abuja on Friday.

Mr Chinook, represented by the director, Office of the DG, Mr Francis Iyanya, said that the accreditation was a legal requirement under the Nigerian Council for Management Development (NCMD) Act.

He said that the programme comprised basic and advanced phases required before accreditation as a management trainer or consultant.

According to him, CMD serves as the operational arm of NCMD, while the council approves and issues accreditation certificates.

Mr Chinoko said that the 26 participants completed the programme, while two others repeated missed classes before qualifying for certification.

He stated that the accreditation was beyond obtaining certificates, stressing that it promoted professionalism, ethics and standard practices.

The DG added that the curriculum equipped trainers with the principles, code of conduct and skills expected of certified professionals.

Mr Chinoko appealed to unaccredited practitioners to comply voluntarily instead of waiting for legal enforcement.

He urged the graduates to serve as ambassadors of CMD and NCMD by encouraging compliance across the profession.

The DG said that the graduates should sensitise practitioners to the need to obtain the legally required licence before offering consultancy services.

One of the participants and Special Assistant Training and Project, Office of Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central, Eric Esievo, described the two-weeks programme as enlightening and professionally rewarding.

He noted that the training improved his understanding of consultancy practice, especially on the importance of conducting needs assessments before designing training programmes.

Mr Esievo added that proper needs assessment would reduce poorly conceived training projects and improve value delivery.

Dr Jamila Abubakar of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), said continuous learning was essential for professional relevance and purposeful retirement.

She said that her participation in the workshop reflected on her personal commitment to lifelong learning and strategic retirement planning.

Ms Abubakar said that retirement should not be viewed as the end of productivity but as the beginning of another phase of service, where years of experience could be transformed into value through mentoring, training and consultancy.

According to her, investing in knowledge, leadership and consulting skills is necessary for professionals who intend to remain relevant and continue contributing meaningfully after leaving active public service.

“Continuous learning prepares me to remain relevant and to contribute meaningfully through mentoring, training and consultancy after my formal career in public service,” she said.

Ms Abubakar commended the centre for providing a platform that equips professionals with practical skills needed to address contemporary workplace challenges while preparing them for future opportunities.

She expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the workshop would enhance her effectiveness in her current responsibilities and strengthen her preparation for a purposeful and impactful retirement.

“ I am leaving the workshop inspired, better equipped and more determined to apply the lessons learned in both her professional duties and future engagements,” Mr Abubakar said.

 (NAN)