PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
The Institute is currently offering Direct Professional Membership by Academic Qualification and/or Work Experience (without examinations). It is important to note that on the attainment of Chartered Status, the Professional Membership of the Institute will only be via Examinations. However, those earlier admitted via the Direct Professional Membership medium will enjoy the benefit of Executive Conversion to Chartered without being subjected to the Professional Examinations.
MEMBERSHIP GRADES AND REQUIREMENTS
The Institute has five categories of Professional Membership determined by academic qualifications and work experience. The following are the five membership grades and guidelines for persons aspiring to become professional members of the Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management (IBDFM)
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
This is strictly designed for Students who are studying Business Administration/Management/Education, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics and Public Administration in Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.
GRADUATE MEMBERSHIP
This is meant for fresh Graduates with Bachelor degrees or HNDs. A GRADUATE MEMBER shall be entitled to use the initials “GBDFM” after his or her name.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
A STUDENT MEMBER of the Institute can be upgraded to an ASSOCIATE MEMBER upon completion of his/her B.Sc. or HND without first becoming a GRADUATE MEMBER due to the professional skills acquired by him/her as a Student Member of the Institute. Also, holders of Bachelor degrees or HNDs with a minimum of three (3) years’ work experience can also be considered for direct professional membership as ASSOCIATE MEMBERS and a GRADUATE MEMBER of the Institute can be upgraded to an ASSOCIATE MEMBER after attending a minimum of three (3) Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Training Programmes organized by the Institute. An ASSOCIATE MEMBER shall be entitled to use the initials “ABDFM” after his or her name.
FULL MEMBERSHIP
An ASSOCIATE MEMBER of the Institute can be upgraded to a FULL MEMBER after attending a minimum of three (3) Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Training Programmes organized by the Institute. Also, persons with a minimum of Bachelor degree or HND in relevant discipline awarded by a recognised University, Polytechnic or College of Education with not less than five (5) years’ work experience can be admitted and inducted into this cadre. A FULL MEMBER shall be entitled to use the initials “MBDFM” after his or her name.
SENIOR MEMBERSHIP
A FULL MEMBER of the Institute can be upgraded to a SENIOR MEMBER after attending a minimum of three (3) Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Training Programmes organized by the Institute. Also, Persons seeking direct professional membership as SENIOR MEMBERS must possess a Bachelor degree or HND with not less than ten (10) years’ work experience or a Masters’ degree with not less than five (5) years’ work experience. A SENIOR MEMBER shall be entitled to use the initials “SBDFM” after his or her name.
FELLOW MEMBERSHIP
This is the highest grade of the Institute’s Professional Membership. The Governing Council of the Institute may at its discretion upgrade a SENIOR MEMBER of the Institute (in good standing) to a FELLOW or directly admit individuals who have demonstrated significant academic and career achievements. Notably, Principal Officers and Chief Executive Officers of Public and Private Organizations such as Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors, Managing Directors, Director Generals, Bursars, Registrars, etc., are often considered for FELLOW MEMBERSHIP irrespective of their academic disciplines. Also, holders of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees who have demonstrated scholarship and contributed significantly to the body of knowledge are considered for the Institute’s prestigious FELLOWSHIP. The Institute colourfully decorates FELLOWS with the Institute’s academic gowns during induction and investiture of Fellowship. A Person admitted and registered into this category shall be entitled to use the initials “FBDFM” after his or her name.
