By Dr Olaniyi OPANUGA, FNIPM

President & Chairman of Council

Nigerian Institute of Production Management.

 

Production creates value in an economy. It powers standards of living and builds wealth. Factors of production and production entities are the building blocks of economic growth and development of a nation. The high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and enhanced national productivity we crave for cannot be achieved without Production.

When you talk about efficiency of public service or competitiveness of industrial organizations you need to understand that production management is the linchpin.

Production management is the transformation of resources (human, financial, capital, technology, land, entrepreneurship, managerial capacity, energy, time and others into a more desirable and valuable outputs in the form of goods and services. Production and operations management is a globally recognized profession with chartered institutions across the world.

The vice president – operations, chief  operations officers (COOs) operations directors, controllers and managers, manufacturing directors, factory and plant managers, production managers, chief inspectors and heads of regulatory compliance overseeing agriculture and food, manufacturing/factories, mining, construction, energy production (electricity, oil and gas) and so on are simply working without anyone asking the question : which professional body is regulating their practice standards in Nigeria?

 

This burden has been shouldered by the Nigerian Institute of Production (NIPM) and it’s self – funded promoters for decades without a Charter. How far can it fly? How effective can it be without any legal teeth to enforce compliance with professional practice standards?

 

That is part of the dilemma of our country, Nigeria; a paradox of our public policy framework.

 

Most projects fail while government and private sector organizations are underperforming because they lack professional production managers in the saddle.

 

In today’s fast-paced and competitive economy, education and training are crucial for employment and productivity.

 

Nigerian government recognizes the importance of education and training in driving economic growth and development.

 

However, despite efforts to improve the education system, many Nigerians still lack the skills and knowledge required to secure employment and contribute to the country’s productivity.

 

This skills gap has resulted in high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate 2008 in Nigeria was approximately 5.8% in the second quarter; GDP growth rate was 6.7% while inflation rose to 15% from 6.6% in 2007. Both GNP and GNI per capita cannot be said to be impressive either.

 

This is a significant challenge for the country, as it not only affects the livelihoods of individuals but also has a negative impact on the economy as a whole.

 

These critical metrics of economic growth will worsen in the years ahead except a drastic change is effected from the setbacks from the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel and Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill projects to the heamoraging and epileptic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, and so on.

 

Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s Education and Training Programs.

 

Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria is a premier professional organization that plays a critical role in providing education and training programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workplace.

 

Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s education and training programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals and organizations, and include:

 

1. Certificate programs: The Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria offers certificate programs in production management, logistics and supply chain management, and operations management. These programs provide individuals with a foundational understanding of the principles and practices of production management, logistics and supply chain management, and operations management.

 

2. Diploma programs: The Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s diploma programs in production management, logistics and supply chain management, and operations management provide individuals with a more advanced understanding of the principles and practices of these fields.

 

3. Postgraduate diploma programs: The Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s postgraduate diploma programs in production management, logistics and supply chain management, and operations management are designed for individuals who have already completed a degree program and are seeking to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in these fields.

 

4. Professional certification programs: The Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s professional certification programs in production management, logistics and supply chain management, and operations management provide individuals with a professional certification that recognizes their expertise and competence in these fields.

The Role of the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria in Enhancing Employment and Productivity

 

Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s education and training programs play a critical role in enhancing employment and productivity in Nigeria.

 

By providing individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workplace, the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria is helping to:

 

1. Improve employability. The Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s education and training programs provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to secure employment in a variety of fields.

 

2. Increase productivity: By providing individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workplace, the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria is helping to increase productivity and efficiency in Nigerian businesses.

 

3. Enhance competitiveness. The Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria’s education and training programs provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to compete in a global economy.

 

4. Support economic growth and development: By providing individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workplace, the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria is helping to support economic growth and development in Nigeria.

 

The Need for Nigerian Institute of Production Management (Chartered)*

 

To further enhance its impact, the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria should be chartered. This will enable the Institute to:

 

1. Promote and regulate the standards of professional practice of Production and Operations Management in Nigeria.

 

2. Provide education and training programs* that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workplace.

 

3. Certify professionals* who have demonstrated expertise and competence in Production and Operations Management.

 

4. Advocate for policies and programs* that support the development of Production and Operations Management in Nigeria.

 

The Role of Government in Supporting the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria needs to support the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria to boost key sectors of the economy, including:

 

– Agriculture

– Mining

– Manufacturing

– Construction

– Energy (electricity, oil and gas)

– Service sector, including public service operations and projects.

 

By supporting the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria, the Federal Government can help to:

 

– Reduce import dependence

– Lower foreign debts

– Increase GDP

– Promote economic growth and development

 

Recommendations

Based on the importance of education and training in Production and Operations Management, we make the following recommendations:

 

√ The Federal Government of Nigeria should support the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria in its efforts to promote education and training in Production and Operations Management.

 

√ The Federal Government of Nigeria should charter the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria to enable it to promote and regulate the standards of professional practice of Production and Operations Management in Nigeria.

 

√ The Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria should continue to develop and deliver high-quality education and training programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workplace.

 

√ The private sector should increase support for the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria by providing funding, resources and expertise.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, professional education and training are critical for employment and productivity in Nigeria.

 

Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria is playing a vital role in providing professional practice standards – based competency education and training programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to secure employment, advance their careers and succeed in the workplace and grow as entrepreneurs.

 

By supporting the Nigerian Institute of Production Management- NIPM Nigeria and chartering it, the Federal Government of Nigeria can help to promote economic growth and development, boost entrepreneurship, reduce import dependence, lower foreign debts, increase GDP, and promote economic growth and development.

 

•••Excerpts from a Speech by Dr Olaniyi Opanuga, FNIPM at a National Workshop on Productivity Improvement Techniques organized by Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on August 12, 2009 at MAN Resource Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.