It is a common rule in all parts of the world that one has to work before earning money. This explains why people engage in different kinds of job. Some have to be trained before they can be qualified to do certain jobs, while others do not require training. These jobs that require training are regarded as professional jobs.
For everyone engaging in a professional job, there is always a regulating body in which they must belong to. This body is referred to as a professional body. These professional bodies are responsible for conducting and maintaining the ethics, skills and knowledge pertaining to the profession they represent. They also check, licence, sanction offenders and reward diligent professionals.
Professional Bodies in Nigeria
It is compulsory and important for professionals in all fields to be members of the professional bodies of the field they represent. They are usually inaugurated into the body upon graduation from higher institutions or any other training body. They are also required to pay some amount of money as membership fee. Since there are several professions in Nigeria, a lot of professional bodies exist. Here are some of the most popular professional bodies in Nigeria.
15. Agricultural Society of Nigeria
Agricultural society of Nigeria is a body of farmers, agricultural scientists and people connected with the agriculture industry. It was established in 1962 at the faculty of agriculture, university of Ibadan. They are responsible for the dissemination of agricultural knowledge through various publications of agricultural journals. They also organize agricultural shows, symposia, seminars, lectures and conferences to promote the interests of people in agriculture.
14. Animal Science Association of Nigeria
Animal science association of Nigeria is a body of people involved in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of livestock and livestock products. Every member is expected to possess a degree certificate in animal science or any related course. The association also organizes lectures and seminars to help improve the standard and quality of livestock distributed in the country.
13. Nigerian Institute of Translators and Interpreters (NITI)
Nigerian institute of translators and interpreters is a body of qualified linguists. It is responsible for the accreditation, certification, regulation and protection of language professionals in Nigeria. This body consists of people who have been trained in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Italian, German, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Russian and several other Foreign and Nigerian languages.
12. Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN)
This is the regulatory body of science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers in Nigeria. It is responsible for raising the profile of its members so as to ensure they are respected. The body also provides a curriculum to ensure high quality education is delivered to students. The members also meet to discuss matters of common interests.
11. Nigerian Society of Engineers
The Nigerian society of engineers is the professional association of people in the engineering profession in Nigeria. It was founded in 1958 by a group of Nigerian engineers in London. The association enhances high professional standard and ethical practices by providing quality service to ensure the development of its members.
10. Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)
This professional body is an agency of the federal ministry of education in Nigeria. It is charged with the responsibility of regulating and controlling the teaching profession at all levels of educational system in Nigeria. The association also organize a professional qualifying examination for teachers in order to ensure that quality, professionalism and discipline is maintained.
9. Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
ICAN is the umbrella association of chartered accountants, auditors and accounting technicians in Nigeria. It was formed in 1960 with the goal of training accountants on the proper ethics of accounting. The body has since been given full control over entry into the profession. It organizes an examination and only certified professionals are awarded a practicing certificate.
8. Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)
This body was established in 2003 as as parastatal of the Federal ministry of health. The body is charged with the responsibility of regulating medical laboratory services through registration and licensing of medical laboratories and its practitioners. The body also conduct routine inspection, monitoring, accreditation and mentoring for quality improvement. In addition, the body also regulate the training of medical laboratory scientists, technicians and assistants. It is also their job to certify newly produced laboratory test kits and reagents to ensure quality products are delivered.
7. Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)
Nigerian Union of teachers is the professional organization of Nigerian teachers. The body plays a vital role in influencing the Nigerian educational system. It is aimed at providing quality education to students in all levels of education. Only trained and qualified teachers are recruited into the organization. The body caters for the needs of its members in areas like working conditions, favourable payments and legal protection.
6. Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN)
This is a professional body of women in all aspects of engineering in Nigeria. It was established in 1982 with the vision of encouraging female participation in STEM courses. The body is known for its advocates on the inclusion of females in the engineering sector. Its mission is to continuously increase awareness that engineering is also a career for women.
5. Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS)
Nigerian institute of surveyors is one of the oldest professional bodies in Nigeria. It was founded in 1934 under the name, Licenced Surveyors Association. The association organizes meetings, conferences, seminars and workshop for its members to ensure productivity, quality service delivery and expose them to any advancement in the line of work.
4. Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
Nigerian Bar Association is the umbrella body of all lawyers admitted into the Nigerian bar. Its vision is to promote legal professionalism. It also has the responsibility of promoting and protecting human rights, rule of law and good governance in Nigeria. In addition, the body maintains the standards and ethics among lawyers and promote quality legal education.
3. Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria
Pharmaceutical society of Nigeria is the regulatory body for practicing pharmacists in Nigeria. It maintains discipline and professional ethics among its members. It also maintains and promotes a high standard of pharmaceutical education and provides information relating to pharmacy to its members.
2. Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)
It is the umbrella body of professional nurses and midwives, who have been trained, registered and licensed to practice nursing in Nigeria. The body was founded in 1977, when Nigerian Union of Nurses was merged with other professional association for nurses and midwives. The body is an avenue by which nurses air their views on issues pertaining to their profession. It also provides legal protection to its members and train them on the ethics and conducts of the profession.
1. Nigerian Medical Association
Nigerian medical Association is the largest medical association in West Africa, with over 40,000 members. It is the professional body for Nigerian doctors and dentists. The association is involved in influencing health policy formulation in Nigeria. It also organizes training courses for its members.