LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The founder of TEXEM, Dr. Alim Abubakre, has been awarded an Academic Fellowship of the United Kingdom’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in recognition of his research and contributions to leadership development and organisational behaviour.
The CIPD, the professional body for human resources and people development, conferred the fellowship on Abubakre at a ceremony held in London on Friday. The fellowship, which is one of the highest honours in the HR profession, recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional expertise, thought leadership, and impact in the field of people management and development.
Abubakre, who holds a doctorate in management and has extensive experience in executive education and organisational development, said he was honoured to receive the recognition. He noted that the fellowship would provide him with a platform to deepen his research and to contribute to the development of best practices in leadership and human capital management.
“This fellowship is not just a personal achievement; it is a recognition of the importance of leadership development in Africa and the global south. I am grateful to the CIPD for this honour, and I dedicate it to all the leaders and organisations we have supported over the years,” Abubakre stated.
The CIPD’s Chief Executive, Peter Cheese, commended Abubakre for his contributions to the field, describing him as “a distinguished scholar and practitioner whose work has had a significant impact on leadership development and organisational effectiveness.” He noted that Abubakre’s research on leadership, innovation, and resilience had been widely cited and had influenced practice in both the private and public sectors.
Abubakre is the founder of TEXEM, a UK-based leadership development organisation that works with senior executives and organisations across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Through TEXEM, he has trained thousands of leaders and facilitated strategic engagements with organisations seeking to improve their performance and competitiveness.
His research interests include leadership, strategy, innovation, and organisational transformation. He has published extensively in academic journals and is a regular contributor to international conferences and media platforms. He has also served as a consultant to governments, multinational corporations, and development institutions.
The CIPD fellowship adds to Abubakre’s growing list of achievements. He was previously named one of the “Most Influential People of African Descent” by the United Nations and has received recognition from several professional bodies for his contributions to leadership development.
In his acceptance speech, Abubakre stressed the importance of investing in leadership development, particularly in Africa, where he said the gap between available resources and effective management remained a significant obstacle to development. He called on African governments and businesses to prioritise investment in human capital and to create environments where leaders can flourish.
“Africa’s greatest resource is not its minerals or its oil; it is its people. If we invest in developing our leaders, we can unlock the potential of the continent and create a future of prosperity and opportunity for all,” he said.
Abubakre said he would use the fellowship to advance research on leadership and to build partnerships with organisations that share his vision for developing the next generation of African leaders. He also announced plans to launch a series of executive programmes focused on leadership, innovation, and sustainability in collaboration with UK universities and global partners.
The CIPD fellowship is the latest milestone in Abubakre’s career, which has spanned academia, consulting, and executive education. As he continues to champion leadership development in Africa and beyond, his work is expected to have a lasting impact on organisations, communities, and nations.
