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CIPM Explains Allegations on Virtual Exam Processes, Emphasizes Commitment to Excellence
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has provided a transparent account of the process and measures taken to ensure the success of its virtual examinations, saying the allegations surrounding its recently concluded virtual examination are totally unfounded.
CIPM’s Commitment to Professional Excellence
CIPM is committed to providing a seamless and professional examination experience for all candidates. As the first professional body in Nigeria to introduce virtual examinations during the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have consistently worked to adapt, improve, and innovate within this space.
During the Institute’s September 2024 diet, 4,169 candidates were scheduled for the tests, out of which 4,049 candidates (97.12%) sat for the test as scheduled. Furthermore, 4,006 candidates representing 98.94% of those who sat for the test successfully submitted their exams.
The 2.88% of candidates not tested either failed accreditation or were absent. It is important to note and emphasize that candidates who failed accreditation or experienced technical issues were promptly advised and rescheduled for another examination at no additional cost to them.
Addressing Accreditation and Submission Failures
Accreditation and submission failures are not uncommon in virtual examinations and can be caused by various factors, including incorrect computer specifications, poor internet connectivity, and even computer literacy challenges.
CIPM, in collaboration with its technical partners, continue to work tirelessly to provide guidance and support to candidates experiencing such challenges, ensuring they are accommodated and rescheduled promptly.
In response to the challenges encountered by some candidates during the September 13, 2024, exam session, CIPM to address these challenges, extended the test window from the initial 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, allowing ample time for students experiencing network difficulties to complete their exams. All affected candidates were duly informed of this extension.
Technical Support and Continuous Improvement
CIPM recognizes that the virtual exam experience is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including technical partners like Dragnet, the IT company responsible for administering our exams.
While technical issues may arise in such a setup, it is essential to highlight that CIPM actively works with all relevant parties to address concerns promptly. We have always taken the concerns of our candidates seriously, and any technical challenges are met with proactive solutions.
Addressing Concerns of Fraud and Examination Integrity
Allegations suggesting exploitation or fraudulent intent are baseless as they are unfounded. At no point has CIPM charged candidates for rescheduled exams due to technical failures.
Our rescheduling process is transparent, fair, and free of charge to those affected by genuine technical difficulties. CIPM’s commitment to integrity remains firm, and we maintain rigorous standards in ensuring that our examinations are conducted fairly and transparently.
The Institute’s examination process is guided by ISO 17024, so we are required to embed measures which ensure fairness, equity and transparency in the online examination process. Part of the measures put in place is a remote proctoring system which records candidates’ activities end-to-end, all through the examination process.
There are processes for reviewing and taking actions on the proctoring reports. Also, all computer systems without the facilities to support the remote proctoring system cannot pass accreditation and therefore are unable to access examination questions. All cases of breach of process among the accredited candidates are seriously dealt with in line with the requirements of the global standards.
CIPM Leading the Way in Virtual Examinations
CIPM as a pacesetter is proud to have set a standard and benchmark in the conduct of professional examinations in Nigeria by leading the transition to virtual examinations.
Many other institutes have since followed our lead, recognizing the benefits of virtual platforms for professional certifications. Despite the challenges, CIPM remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality examinations that meet global standards.
Looking Ahead
CIPM is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation. We will continue to work with technical partners and stakeholders to enhance the examination experience and ensure it meets the expectations of our candidates.
Our values of Service, Creativity, Integrity, Professionalism and Teamwork guides us in all our endeavors as we strive to advance in our certification journey.
We appreciate the feedback from our stakeholders and are committed to addressing any concerns. CIPM will always act in the best interests of our candidates and the broader HR profession.
DataPro Rating Agency has upgraded the long-term credit rating of Dangote Cement Plc to AA+ from AA, citing the company’s strong financial performance, market leadership and ability to meet its financial obligations despite Nigeria’s challenging economic environment.
In its latest rating report, the technology-driven credit rating agency also affirmed Dangote Cement’s short-term rating at A1, with a Stable Outlook. The ratings are valid until June 16, 2027.
DataPro said the upgrade reflects the cement maker’s sustained financial strength, resilient operating performance and dominant position in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to the agency, the assessment followed a comprehensive review of the company’s capital base, earnings, liquidity, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and the sustainability of its financial performance over the medium to long term.
It noted that Dangote Cement’s strong brand, leading market share, solid earnings, robust asset base and experienced management continue to strengthen its ability to meet financial commitments on time.
The agency also highlighted the company’s outstanding financial performance in 2025.
According to the report, Dangote Cement posted N4.31 trillion in revenue during the year, representing a 20 per cent increase from the previous year. Profit before tax more than doubled, rising 109 per cent to N1.53 trillion, driven by higher sales, improved operating efficiency, lower finance costs and a stronger capital structure.
DataPro said the AA+ long-term rating indicates low credit risk and reflects excellent financial strength, business profile and operating performance relative to its rating benchmarks.
It added that the A1 short-term rating signifies good credit quality and shows that the company has a strong capacity to meet its short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
The rating agency, however, noted that the credit rating has a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months in line with international best practice and should be used only as a reference, not as an offer to trade in securities or as a substitute for investors’ independent judgement.
Xora Finance has announced it will no longer consider job applicants from Nigeria.
Xora Finance is a digital bank founded by Joren Lundgren, in February 2026 and allows users to deposit and earn interest on their XRP cryptocurrency.
Lundgren, founder, in an announcement on X (formerly Twitter), cited an ongoing pattern of misconduct, such as dishonesty and theft, from previous Nigerian hires as the reason for the decision.
This sudden blanket ban came just days after the company’s official career page was aggressively recruiting remote workers for marketing and content roles.
The announcement generated heavy backlash online, with many people upset that a blanket rule punishes honest job seekers.
Some lawyers have said that victims of Ponzi schemes have legal remedies, although recovering lost funds and prosecuting perpetrators remain major challenges.
A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new participants rather than from actual profits.
Operators lure victims by promising high returns with little to no risk.
The scheme inevitably collapses when the flow of new investors slows down.
Some lawyers who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) separate interviews with on Sunday, said that victims could pursue civil actions to recover their money.
Mr Chibuikem Opara, a lawyer at Justification Chambers, Ikeja,said many Nigerians continued to fall victim to Ponzi schemes in spite of repeated warnings.
Opara said it was wrong to attribute participation in Ponzi schemes to a lack of investment opportunities, noting that promoters often exploit investors’ greed through promises of unrealistic returns.
“What you cannot take away is the fact that many Nigerians have fallen and continue to fall victim to these schemes every time,” he said.
According to him, victims may individually or collectively institute civil actions against the beneficiary company for breach of contract or refund arising from failure of consideration.
Opara said victims could also unite to seek an order from the Federal High Court to wind up the beneficiary company.
He, however, noted that such efforts might yield little benefit if perpetrators had already siphoned the funds and left behind an empty shell.
The lawyer said available remedies largely depended on the actions of relevant authorities, adding that recipient accounts could be frozen to facilitate fund recovery and support winding-up proceedings.
Opara said regulators and law enforcement agencies often became aware of Ponzi schemes only after substantial losses had occurred.
According to him, victims frequently failed to report suspicious schemes early enough to enable timely intervention.
He added that funds are sometimes moved outside the country before authorities become aware of the fraud.
Opara also cited inadequate information and the deceptive nature of the schemes as major obstacles to investigation and prosecution.
“Most times, everything about the schemes is made to appear elusive, just like the profits promised to victims,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Vincent Aminu of A.F. Aminu and Co. advised that victims of investment scams should report such cases to appropriate law enforcement agencies on time.
Aminu said victims could petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or file reports with the police.
He said that after investigation, prosecutors could bring charges against suspects under relevant fraud-related laws, including provisions of the Criminal Code and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
Beyond criminal prosecution, Aminu said .victims could pursue civil actions to recover their money
According to him, such actions may be based on breach of contract, unjust enrichment, or fraudulent misrepresentation, depending on the circumstances.
He added that victims could petition the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which could investigate illegal operators, shut down unauthorised platforms, and freeze assets.
He identified the anonymity of online fraudsters as one of the biggest challenges confronting investigators.
According to him, many operators concealed their identities through fake digital profiles and technologies that made tracking them difficult.
Aminu also noted that victims who delayed taking legal action risked losing opportunities for redress.
He added that prolonged court proceedings often delayed justice for victims.
“Many fraud-related cases take years before the court reaches a verdict, thereby delaying justice for victims,” he said.
Also, Mr Chris Ayiyi of Ayiyi Chambers, Apapa, described Ponzi schemes as a gamble that benefited early participants at the expense of later investors.
Ayiyi said some early entrants received returns on their investments, thereby encouraging others to join the schemes.
He said the schemes eventually collapsed, leaving late investors to bear the losses
The lawyer called for a complete ban on Ponzi schemes or sustained public enlightenment campaigns against them.
He urged the National Assembly to enact laws that would strengthen regulation and provide greater protection for investors.
According to him, stronger legal safeguards are necessary in a country operating a capital-based economy.
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