Operations management as a regulated professional practice started in Nigeria in 1987 with the establishment of Nigerian Institute of Production Management (NIPM) by Dr. Olaniyi Opanuga and others like Engr. Deen Adekoya, Adebowale Thompson and Chief (Dr.) M.O Akinrele who are founding members.

Dr. Olaniyi Opanuga started the nationwide advocacy of professional production and operations management practice in Nigeria leading to the establishment of Nigerian Institute of Production Management (NIPM) in 1987 and its recognition by the Federal Government and registration in 1998 to regulate the standards of professional practice of production and operations management in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.