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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.
News
How Hackers Manipulated, Stole N622m from Interswitch within Minutes- Police
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has heard how Daniel Ikeoha and Sylvester Ebeta, two alleged hackers, manipulated Interswitch Nigeria Limited’s Payment Gateway switch and siphoned N622 million within minutes.
Police intelligence operatives from Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos State, who later uncovered the two alleged, arraigned before Justice Bogoro for causing multiple fraudulent transfers and withdrawals of N622 million from various bank accounts of other customers to their own accounts.
Justice Bogoro, the presiding judge, ordered both Daniel and Sylvester remanded in the Ikoyi facility of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), after they pleaded not guilty to the charges of alleged conspiracy, hacking into the Interswitch’s server and unlawful conversion/taking possession of proceeds of an unlawful acts.
The offences which contravened Sections 27(1)(b) and 14(1)of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act, 2015 as Amended in 2024, read along with Section 14(1) of the same Act.
The offence also contravened Section 18(2)(b)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Justine Enang, the prosecutor and a chief superintendent of police at the Legal Department of PSFU, Ikoyi, Lagos, alleged that the defendants and others at large have between January 2022 and October 12, 2023, conspired among themselves to commit illegal acts.
Enang told the Court that the two defendants and others at large, unlawfully suppressed the Interswitch Payment Gateway Merchants to interchange the system switch and caused multiple fraudulent transfers and withdrawals of N622 million, from various bank accounts of other customers to their own accounts.
The prosecutor told the court that the defendants wired the N622 million to their under-listed banks and accounts: Kuda Microfinance Bank, account no. 2012900334; UBA Plc, account no. 2259918436; Zenith Bank Plc, account no, 225135546; Eco Bank Nigeria Limited, account no. 4360057510 and 4360057503; GTB Plc account nos. 0025473624, 0560512839; FCMB, account nos. 7358218027, 7358218010; Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, account no. 5397559320; GTB Plc, account no. 0167915358; Stalonvee Concept, Stalonvee Concept, account no. 6397559320, 5397602542 and Zenith Bank Plc, account no. 240753383.
- S. Hart, their lawyer, informed the court that she had two applications before the Court for the Court to determine.
She told the court that the first application is challenging the court’s jurisdiction in entertaining the charges against her client, because her clients have been charged before a magistrate court. Hence, the charges against them before the Court was an abuse of court process.
She also told the Court that the second application is the bail application of her clients.
In response, the prosecutor told the Court that the charge before the Magistrate Court has been withdrawn.
On the application for bail, the prosecutor told the court that he has responded to same, by filing a counter-affidavit.
Based on the submissions of the parties, Justice Bogoro ordered parties to move the bail application. And upon taking arguments on the bail application, Justice Bogoro adjourned ruling till 14th November, 2024, while ordering that the two defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) pending when the bail application will be determined.
News
Standard Chartered, BII Renew $350 million Commitment to Support Trade Finance in Emerging Markets
Standard Chartered, a leading international cross-border bank, and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution (DFI) and impact investor, announce the signing of a USD350 million risk participation agreement. This facility aims to bolster the trade finance needs of SMEs and corporates across Africa and South Asia and to boost economic growth in these regions.
Since the initial agreement in 2013, Standard Chartered and British International Investment have enabled over USD10 billion in trade volumes in over 10 countries across Africa and South Asia including Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. In the past year, approximately USD450 million of trade has been supported via this facility.
The renewed facility will cover an expanded number of dynamic markets and seek to provide much needed support in trade and economic growth in Africa and South Asia by further enabling trade finance access and liquidity across Standard Chartered’s extensive global network. It will support many sectors such as food, agriculture, healthcare, industrials, metals infrastructure, electrical, electronics, technology, telecom and mobility to name a few.
The facility also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of Decent Work & Economic Growth (UN SDG 8), Industry Innovation & infrastructure (UN SDG 9), Responsible Consumption & Production (UN SDG 12).
The UK’s Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said: “I am delighted to see BII and Standard Chartered renew their facility to deliver trade finance throughout Africa and South Asia. This is an important partnership that will support SMEs and corporates to grow and deliver critical goods and services.
“Trade plays an important role in economic transformation, and this risk-sharing facility demonstrates how BII can work with financial institutions to support our shared development objectives.”
Nick O’Donohoe, CEO, BII, said: “We are proud of the positive impact that this long-standing trade finance facility with Standard Chartered has had in Africa and South Asia. By enabling over $10bn in trade volumes, the facility continues to empower businesses and facilitate the vital flow of essential goods and services including food and healthcare.
This is pivotal in supporting economic growth and creating new opportunities in these regions. It is also a step closer to narrowing the global trade finance gap.”
Saif Malik, CEO, UK and Head of Banking & Coverage, UK, Standard Chartered said: “We are thrilled to renew our commitment to work with BII in support of trade. As a leading international banking group, we play a vital role in enhancing access to the capital and liquidity that is essential for global trade.
This strategic agreement will provide significant support to businesses with high potential but constrained access to finance. It aligns to our vision of the role that banking and finance can play in supporting the growth ambitions of corporations that innovate for the future by connecting the world’s most dynamic markets in trade, investment and capital flows.
News
Substandard CNG Cylinder is Recipe for Disaster- SON
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned the public against the use of substandard and uncertified Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders.
The warning is coming in the wake of the unfortunate recent incident of CNG cylinder explosion at the NIPCO CNG Refueling Station in Benin City, Edo State.
In a statement, the organisation said it has put robust and effective regulatory measures in place to ensure that all CNG equipment and conversion kits conform to approved standards before being certified for public use.
“The conformity assessment schemes are designed to prevent the import, manufacturing, and use of substandard products,” it stated.
In addition, SON said it is collaborating with the Presidential Initiatives on CNG and other relevant government bodies to finalise the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS) – a platform that will provide centralized monitoring and surveillance of CNG systems to ensure that only vehicles equipped with certified conversion kits can access gas at retail outlets.
“The NGVMS will also offer a database of approved CNG equipment and suppliers which will go a long way in preventing the substandard installations and further mitigating the associated risks.”
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