Constitution and Governance Chart
Constitution and Governance Charter
of the
National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria)
**Version:** 1.0
PREAMBLE
Recognising the growing importance of professional caregiving in promoting health, dignity, independence, and quality of life;
Acknowledging the need for nationally recognised standards for caregiver education, professional certification, ethical practice, institutional accreditation, and lifelong professional development;
Committed to protecting the public through competent, compassionate, and accountable caregiving;
The National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria) hereby adopts this Constitution and Governance Charter as the supreme governing instrument of the Institute.
This Charter establishes the legal identity, governance structure, powers, responsibilities, and administrative framework of the Institute and authorises the development and implementation of the Regulatory Framework Manual and all subsidiary policies made under its authority.
ARTICLE 1 — NAME
The name of the organisation shall be:
**National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria)**
The Institute may also be referred to as **NIC Nigeria**.
ARTICLE 2 — STATUS
NIC Nigeria shall function as the national professional institute for caregivers in Nigeria.
The Institute shall:
Promote excellence in caregiving.
Establish professional standards.
Maintain national caregiver records.
Accredit organisations.
Approve curricula.
Approve instructors.
Conduct inspections.
Issue professional certifications.
Promote research and innovation.
Support lifelong professional development.
ARTICLE 3 — VISION
To be Nigeria's leading professional authority advancing excellence, dignity, and innovation in caregiving.
ARTICLE 4 — MISSION
To develop competent caregivers, strengthen caregiving institutions, protect care recipients, promote ethical practice, and advance the caregiving profession through education, accreditation, certification, research, and professional leadership.
ARTICLE 5 — OBJECTIVES
NIC Nigeria shall:
Promote professional caregiving.
Develop national standards.
Support caregiver education.
Certify competent caregivers.
Accredit organisations.
Encourage ethical practice.
Protect vulnerable persons.
Promote research and innovation.
Build partnerships.
Influence national policy relating to caregiving.
ARTICLE 6 — POWERS
To fulfil its objectives, NIC Nigeria may:
Establish standards and policies.
Develop and approve curricula.
Conduct examinations and assessments.
Award certificates and professional designations.
Accredit institutions, facilities, agencies, and programmes.
Conduct inspections and investigations.
Maintain public registers.
Issue practice guidance.
Publish research.
Enter partnerships.
Establish committees.
Raise and administer funds.
Own property.
Establish regional offices.
Perform any lawful activity consistent with its objectives.
ARTICLE 7 — MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be governed by the Membership Framework adopted by the Institute.
The Governing Council may establish additional membership categories as the profession evolves.
ARTICLE 8 — GOVERNING COUNCIL
The Governing Council shall be the highest governing authority of NIC Nigeria.
The Council shall provide strategic leadership, approve policies, safeguard the Institute's mission, and exercise oversight over all activities of the Institute.
ARTICLE 9 — POWERS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
The Governing Council shall have authority to:
Adopt and amend policies.
Approve Regulatory Frameworks.
Approve annual budgets.
Establish committees.
Approve accreditation standards.
Approve certification standards.
Approve curriculum standards.
Authorise strategic partnerships.
Appoint the Registrar.
Approve major appointments.
Exercise overall governance of the Institute.
ARTICLE 10 — THE REGISTRAR
The Registrar shall be the Chief Executive Officer of NIC Nigeria.
The Registrar shall:
Implement Governing Council decisions.
Manage day-to-day operations.
Maintain official records.
Supervise staff.
Oversee accreditation, certification, and membership administration.
Present annual reports.
Protect the Institute's assets and reputation.
The Registrar shall be accountable to the Governing Council.
ARTICLE 11 — STANDING COMMITTEES
The Governing Council shall establish Standing Committees, including but not limited to:
Education and Curriculum Committee.
Accreditation Committee.
Certification Committee.
Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee.
Complaints and Disciplinary Committee.
Research and Innovation Committee.
Finance and Audit Committee.
Membership Committee.
Information Technology and Digital Services Committee.
The Council may establish additional committees as required.
ARTICLE 12 — REGULATORY FRAMEWORK MANUAL
The Regulatory Framework Manual shall constitute the principal body of operational regulations made under this Charter.
The Manual shall include, but not be limited to:
Membership Framework.
Training & Education Framework.
Accreditation Framework.
Curriculum Approval Framework.
Instructor Approval Framework.
Internship Framework.
Professional Certification Framework.
Inspection & Compliance Framework.
Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct.
Digital Credentials & Verification Framework.
Complaints, Appeals & Disciplinary Framework.
Continuing Professional Development Framework.
Research, Innovation & Publications Framework.
These Frameworks shall have effect upon approval by the Governing Council.
ARTICLE 13 — OFFICIAL REGISTERS
NIC Nigeria shall maintain official registers, including:
Membership Register.
National Professional Registry.
Accredited Organisation Register.
Approved Instructor Register.
Curriculum Register.
Credential Register.
Additional registers may be established by the Governing Council.
ARTICLE 14 — FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE
NIC Nigeria shall maintain sound financial management practices.
Income may be derived from:
Membership fees.
Accreditation fees.
Certification fees.
Training services.
Publications.
Grants.
Donations.
Investments.
Other lawful sources.
The Institute shall maintain proper financial records and conduct periodic audits.
ARTICLE 15 — THE COMMON SEAL
NIC Nigeria shall adopt an Official Seal.
The Official Seal shall authenticate official documents, certificates, accreditation instruments, and other records authorised by the Governing Council.
Digital equivalents of the Official Seal may be used within authorised electronic systems.
ARTICLE 16 — AMENDMENT OF THE CHARTER
This Charter may be amended by resolution of the Governing Council in accordance with procedures established by the Institute.
Major amendments affecting the governance or objectives of the Institute should be preceded by appropriate consultation with stakeholders.
ARTICLE 17 — INTERPRETATION
Questions relating to the interpretation of this Charter shall be determined by the Governing Council.
Where ambiguity exists, the interpretation that best advances the objectives of NIC Nigeria and protects the public interest shall prevail.
ARTICLE 18 — TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Upon adoption of this Charter:
The Regulatory Framework Manual is recognised as the operational regulatory instrument of NIC Nigeria.
Existing policies shall continue to apply to the extent they are consistent with this Charter.
Existing accreditations, memberships, and certifications shall remain valid unless otherwise determined by the Governing Council.
The Governing Council may issue implementation directives to facilitate the orderly transition to this governance structure.
ARTICLE 19 — ADOPTION
This Constitution and Governance Charter is hereby adopted as the supreme governing instrument of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria).
All officers, members, accredited organisations, instructors, certified professionals, and committees shall conduct their responsibilities in accordance with this Charter and the Regulatory Framework Manual made under its authority.
END OF CHARTER
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