In Nigeria, there are several uncommon skills that most people do not know about. These are not like the traditional engineering, medicine and surgery, law and accounting profession. One of these uncommon professions is Project management.

Project management has been around for centuries but projects were generally managed by the professionals who wanted the project done. It was not until the 20th century, when Henry Gantt, an American mechanical engineer, and Henri Fayol, a French mining engineer created a project management tool and functions. 

Eventually, project management became known as an unattached discipline arising from the management discipline with engineering framework.

In Nigeria and across the globe today, virtually every institutions and establishment or body needs a professional project manager.

Interestingly, project management is lacking in Nigeria and it has come to be one of the highest paying jobs in the country. 

Project management is one of the most complicated sectors of work today. However, it can be an adventurous occupation that can be very exciting. Basically, the duty of a project manager is to plan, implement and supervise a particular project or projects from beginning to the end for his/her employer or client. These projects are generally managed through initiation, planning, execution, control and completion.

As a project manager, you'll always work with a team. Hence, you have to be flexible and must be able to get along with all kinds of people, culture, conditions and environments.

Essential characteristics of an exceptional project manager include; leadership, co-operation, supervision and organisation.

How to be a Project Manager in Nigeria

There are several institutions in Nigeria that offers PM training and certifications.

These include Association of Project Management (APM); Integrated Institute of Project Management (IIPM), Abuja; Project Management Institute (PMI), Nigeria; and International Project Management Association (IPMA).

So, if you’re thinking of becoming a project manager or acquiring project management skills to manage your business better, you can enrol in any of the Project Management training centres for training and certification.