UNILAG, CIPE launch ACE certification

The University of Lagos, in partnership with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), has introduced the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Certification Programme to build the capacity of chambers of commerce and business associations in Nigeria and across Africa.

The initiative, announced on Tuesday at the university’s Human Resource Development Centre, will train the chamber’s executives in governance, compliance, advocacy and digital systems to enhance their role in driving economic growth.

The certification is expected to address long-standing gaps in governance and advocacy that have limited the effectiveness of chambers in Nigeria’s business environment, where a stronger private sector voice is seen as vital to economic reform.

Global Executive Director of CIPE, Andrew Wilson, said at the launch that the programme would help chambers move beyond routine training. He noted that chambers in Africa’s largest economy need capacity building to reach world-class standards, adding that ACE would provide the framework to achieve this.

“This is not just teaching skills; it is empowering leaders to implement policies, strengthen governance, and transform their chambers,” he said. He added that by institutionalising ACE at the University of Lagos, a long-term platform would be created to develop homegrown experts capable of replicating such successes across Africa.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said the programme, run through the university’s Human Resource Development Centre, would combine rigorous academics with practical training to close critical skills gaps among chamber leaders. 

Using a hybrid model of in-person and online sessions, participants will gain expertise in governance, finance, compliance and digital systems. She stressed that the initiative was “more than training,” as it would empower the private sector to implement policies more effectively, manage resources better and support sustainable development across Africa’s business ecosystem.

A former president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Toki Mabogunje, described the programme as a high-value intervention, a policy and empowerment milestone for chambers.

“ACE is bridging the gap between theory and practice in chamber management,” she said. Regional Director for Africa at CIPE, Lola Adekanye, said the programme reflects the launch theme, ‘The Importance of Organising Private Sector Voice for Development’, adding that the certification would strengthen associations to coordinate resources, amplify business voices and play a stronger role in shaping economic reforms.

CIPE officials explained that the certification will improve Nigeria’s business climate by attracting investments, building a skilled workforce, strengthening company operations and deepening relations with policymakers.

The first cohort, set to begin in January 2026 with a 40-hour intensive session, will mark the programme’s rollout. CIPE noted that while similar initiatives in Kenya enabled 16 chambers to improve governance and membership engagement, the Lagos-based programme is designed to serve as a model for other African countries.