By Matthew Johnson

A human resources practitioner, Mr. Tijani Ogbuade, has received a sum of one million professional development grant at the 2025 HR Conference and Excellence Awards, an initiative aimed at strengthening capacity building and continuous learning within Nigeria’s human resources sector.

The conference, organised by HR Talent Hub and sponsored by MIVA Open University, brought together HR leaders, industry experts and professionals from within and outside Nigeria to deliberate on the future of work and the evolving role of human resources in driving organisational success.

The grant presentation was one of the highlights of the two-day conference, which focused on equipping HR professionals with tools and insights needed to navigate changing workplace dynamics.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ogbuade described the grant as a turning point in his professional journey.
“I didn’t just win money; I gained momentum,” he said. “This support removes barriers to my career growth and gives me the confidence to pursue opportunities I’ve had to postpone. It’s more than financial — it is belief in the value of my development.” Said Ogbuade.

According to the organisers, the initiative was designed as a strategic investment in professional growth, enabling HR practitioners to pursue advanced certifications, continuous education and broader industry engagement amid increasing workplace demands.

Founder and Lead Consultant of HR Talent Hub, Mrs. Omotola Adedapo, said the conference theme, “HR The Heart of Business Success: Driving Purpose, People, and Performance,” underscores the expanding responsibility of HR professionals to balance organisational purpose with measurable performance outcomes.

She described the event as transformational, noting that it featured a mix of global and local speakers aimed at inspiring innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration across the HR profession.

In addition to the grant, organisers also provided free professional headshots to 100 career professionals as part of efforts to enhance personal branding and professional visibility in today’s competitive workplace.
The development grant was made possible through the support of MIVA Open University. The Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Tayo Arulogun, led the official presentation of the cheque and emphasised the importance of initiatives that promote both academic and professional advancement.

Organisers said HRCEA 2025 reflects a growing shift in professional conferences toward practical impact , focusing not only on recognition but also on equipping professionals with resources for long term career growth.

HRCEA added that the initiative signals a new approach to HR development in Nigeria, aimed at empowering practitioners and strengthening the profession’s contribution to organisational and economic progress.