Introduction

From the time man evolved systems of fixed settlements situated in specific geographic areas, conflicts between these settlements, villages or cities whichever they were called, became intensified for the purpose of domination over ever larger areas of land for each settled community. History abounds with examples of resolution of these conflicts through dialogue. Conflict resolution has become today, a high profile subject taught in universities and lectured on, at many a seminar and conference. Experts in this field are held in awe in some circles in many countries. Yet, conflict resolution is not new. It has only been packaged differently in our age. Conflict resolution has been an important part of human life since ancient times, when humans grouped together to form communities to live in co-operation with each other. We are also aware of nomadic communities that have fought against each other for domination over certain areas of land and thereafter arrived at resolutions of the problem through discussion and various arrangements.

WHY STUDY A CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM
Pursuing a peace and conflict studies program can be a great way to help prepare yourself for a career in the field or for future appointments in the discipline. If you are not already aware, conflict and peace studies is an area of social science that analyzes violent and non-violent behavior and the structural mechanisms that lead to conflict with the goal of using this understanding to promote peace and a healthy human condition. Professionals in Peace and Conflict management may work in a variety of areas including international criminal courts or tribunals, civil-military operations, community based restorative justice, human rights protection and monitoring, local peace building training, nuclear and small arms proliferation and other higher level positions in labour relations, mediation, arbitration or contract negotiation and many more. Conflict management skills are necessary for any so-called "civilized" society and everyone deserves Conflict resolution skills.

ABOUT ICRPC
The Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peacebuilding and Conciliation (ICRPC) was established in 2009 as a professional membership body and authorized by the Federal Government of Nigeria after due process for the development of Crisis management and peace building in Nigeria through education and personal development/learning. It was known first as the Centre for Crisis Prevention and Peace Advocacy (CCPPA). Certified Crisis Managers of ICRPC believed that a strong and organized platform could help support collaborative peace building for conflict transformation, create a civilization of peace and promote the development of conflict management education in Nigeria and beyond. ICRPC plays a major role in developing and disseminating innovative approaches to negotiation and crisis management, including collaboration between conflict resolution organizations and organizations in the field of democratization, human rights, security and economic reconstruction. ICRPC is membership driven with members drawn from both public and private sectors. In addition to setting professional standards, the institute also trains and certifies professional Crisis Managers, Peacebuilding Practitioners and Conciliators, and inducts them into the Institute as Graduate Members (GICRPC), Associate Members (AICRPC), Full members (MICRPC), Senior Members (SICRPC) and Fellows (FICRPC).

Membership Categories

- Fellow (FICRPC)
Minimum of Degree/HND with at least 18 years work experience or fellowship certificate obtained from recognized professional body and must be confirmed by the governing council of ICRPC.

Senior Member (SICRPC)
Minimum of Degree/HND with at least 14 years work experience or a 2nd degree with at least 10 years work experience or an equivalent certificate from another recognized professional body.

- Full Member (MICRPC)
Minimum of Degree/HND with at least 10 years work experience or a 2nd degree with at least 8 years work experience or an equivalent certificate from another recognized professional body.

- Associate Member(AICRPC)
- Minimum of Degree/HND with at least 5 years work experience or a 2nd degree with at least 3 years work experience or an equivalent certificate from another recognized professional body.

- Graduate Member (GICRPC)
- Minimum of Degree/HND with at least 3 years work experience or a 2nd degree with at least 1 year work experience or an equivalent certificate from another recognized professional body.

- Student Member. This is a qualifying grade

Undergraduates who upon successful completion of their academic programme will undergo a proficiency capacity building course of the institute before induction.

- Corporate Membership
Interested organization desirous of collaborating with the Centre or improving their employees career in Peace and Conflict Resolution practice will also benefit from various capacity building programs at a discount.

The recommended qualifying scheme for ICRPC membership is the ICRPC qualifying scheme. Membership is gained by completing a recognized programme of study approved by the council such as Bsc, BA, LLB, MBBS, HND, PGD, MBA, MPA, Msc, PHD in Peace and Conflict Studies, or mediation & Negotiation, Social Sciences OR professional qualifications from accredited bodies. Graduates in other disciplines other the ones mentioned above can also be considered based on relevant years of working experience.

The membership grades are open to: Diplomats, Military Personnel, Lawyers, Human Resource Officers/Directors, Executives Officers, Judges/Magistrates, Traditional/Religions/Political leaders, company secretaries/legal advisers, chief registrars, law makers, council managers, NGO/IGO Officials, law enforcement officers, special Advisers, conflict management consultants, labour union executives, opinion leaders, entrepreneurs, pastors, Imams, proprietors, and members of other segments of the society.

Membership Benefits
- Continuous Membership Education Training (COMET): Opportunity to take part and acquire up-to-date skills in all ICRPC seminars and workshops on Peacebuilding, conciliation & Conflict Resolution Practice.

- Opportunity to access broad-based resources on crisis management and peace building information including upcoming events, reports, researchers with latest innovations in the practice of the profession.

- Opportunity to use the Institute’s membership prefix after your name e.g Fellow(FICRPC)

- A platform for Networking with members across the country and overseas

- Opportunity to become a Certified Crisis Management Expert

- Opportunity to feature your professional articles/publications on the institute’s journals and website.

- Membership exposure to existing and future job opportunities, consultancy, research, grant and contract opportunities in the profession.

- Membership recognition as “Peace Advocate of the Year GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE awards at the ICRPC annual conference

For more information, visit
www.icrpcng.com
www.facebook.com/icrpc.ng
www.twitter.com/peace_advocate
@conflictmanager