Nigeria's Unaccredited ADR Institutions: A Growing Concern
A shocking revelation has come to light: The Mediation Training Institute (MTI-Nigeria) has issued a warning about the illegal operations of several Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) institutions within the country. These institutions, it seems, are functioning without the necessary accreditation from the Centre for Management Development (CMD).
But here's where it gets controversial: The proliferation of these unaccredited ADR institutions is causing a significant problem. They are issuing certifications that are not recognized, leading to a crisis in credential validation. This not only undermines the credibility of professional training in Nigeria but also erodes public trust in the system.
According to the Nigerian Council for Management Development (NCMD) Act 2022, Ambassador Segun Ogunyannwo, President of MTI-Nigeria, emphasized that all training and consultancy organizations, as well as their key officers, must be accredited by the CMD. This accreditation is a prerequisite for issuing certificates and conducting professional inductions.
Ogunyannwo boldly stated, "Any organization not accredited by CMD is operating outside the law and is not qualified to train or certify professionals." He further pointed out the misuse of the term 'chartered' by some ADR bodies, clarifying that only institutions established by an Act of the National Assembly and approved by the President can rightfully use this title.
And this is the part most people miss: Some institutions are allegedly making false claims of being 'chartered' without any legal basis. Ogunyannwo expressed concern, saying, "This is not only misleading but also deceptive. An institute must have legal backing to be chartered, and anything less is simply a falsehood."
Interestingly, some of these ADR institutions don't even have a Bill on the floor of the National Assembly, which is required for their establishment. This raises questions about their legitimacy and the potential risks to the public and their members.
The issue goes beyond just legality. Ogunyannwo highlighted that when institutions misrepresent their legal standing, it undermines public trust in the entire professional development sector. Citizens investing their time and money in training programs deserve to know that the institution is operating with the necessary legal authority.
In a significant disclosure, MTI-Nigeria stands out as the sole ADR institution fully accredited by CMD and compliant with all statutory requirements, setting an example for others to follow.
This situation prompts a critical question: How can Nigeria ensure that all ADR institutions operate within the legal framework and maintain the integrity of professional training? The public's awareness and engagement in this matter are crucial, as it directly impacts the trust and effectiveness of the country's professional development ecosystem.
