NITAD honours human resource expert, Janefrancis Duru over innovations
•Dr. Duru being presented with her letter of recognition by NITAD President, Mrs. Ayoade Abike Agbeyi.
There is reward, for hard work, it is said. Such was the case on Tuesday, April 30, when the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) honoured its former Vice President, Dr. Janefrancis Duru, a human resource management and administration expert over her contributions to the growth of the institute.
NITAD is a professional body of Learning and Development practitioners who promote better utilization of human ability and potential through training.
Dr. Duru, Director, Shared Services, ACI Holdings, a group of companies, and former Treasurer of NITAD, received a standing ovation from members when NITAD President, Mrs. Ayoade Abike Agbeyi reeled out her contributions to the institute.
The professional body honoured her over introduction of electronic voting to NITAD elections. That innovation allows members from any part of the globe to vote their preferred candidates into elective offices.
The president said of the innovation: “In 2022, we had the maiden edition of our e-voting, the first time ever. Before, you had to travel to Lagos if you had the means, just to come and vote. Dr Duru broke the jinx and saved us the stress. The e-voting she introduced was something that we had in our 2010 strategy paper but it never came to pass until 2022.”
Mrs. Agbeyi also said Dr. Duru has been the backbone of NITAD journals, describing her as the giant on whose shoulder the organisation stood to produce the last edition.
Hear her: “She holds the key to our publications. She is a giant that we stood on her shoulder to get our last publication out. I want to call on all of us. It’s time for action. Those of us who have PhDs, or even if your PhD is still in view, please send whatever you need to send. We need to have our publication. We don’t want it to die. This is the woman that has been holding the key and we want someone that will also understudy her as a back-up so that when she crosses to life member (age 70), somebody will carry on.”
Reacting to the honour and ovation showered on her at the event, Dr Duru said it made her happy.
She said: “I must say I’m happy today that my efforts did not go unrecognized. I served the institute in various capacities as they mentioned. As first vice president, as the national treasurer. I have served in several committees of the council and I’m still an adviser to several committees of the council.
“I started the journal in 2018 and it is still ongoing. I published the first standard Institute annual report. By the grace of God, I led us into e-voting which started last two years. I have paid my dues and I am happy my efforts are recognized today.” She called on members of the Institute to contribute their quota to the Institute so as to place it at the top.
Duru is not new to innovations and attainments, having prepared her minds early enough for such feats. Over the years she has acquired vast experience in leadership, communication, entrepreneurship development, business advisory, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), gender, reproductive health and consulting services.
She had headed the Human Resource and Administration department of three notable organisations including the Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM). While in these employments, she introduced some innovations that transformed their administration and HR practices.
A 2011 graduate of Social Sector Management (SSM3) of Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Janefrancis holds a B.A. Ed degree, second class honours, upper division; Master’s and a Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Public Administration specializing in Human Resources, all from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. She received the Council for the Development of Economics and Social Research in Africa (CODESRIA) award for her Master’s Thesis – Management of Communication Problems in Organisations.
A seasoned facilitator, trainer, a determined, dedicated, diligent and multi-functional professional, Janefrancis is a Licensed Human Resource Professional (HRPL), CIPM, Nigeria; certified ILO Entrepreneurship Development Trainer on “Start & Improve your Business” package and a certified Clarity4D Personality Development Trainer, UK. She is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Nigeria; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Training & Development (NITAD); and Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).
She consults for international development agencies including WHO, UNDP, EU, UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Environment and other organisations. She has published several articles in reputable journals including American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (AJTMH), Management in Nigeria Journal, Human Resource Management Journal, and Nigerian Journal of Learning and Development Journal; online websites; and national newspapers. Many of her books are awaiting publication.
•Dr. Duru, is married to TheNiche Executive Editor, Emeka Alex Duru and blessed with children
