Impact And Challenges Of Commonwealth Scholarship, Mortenson Center For International Library Program, Galilee International Management Institute And Carnegie Continuing Professional Development Programmes On Beneficiaries: The Nigerian Participants’ Experience

Abstract

Formal or informal skills acquisition programmes play a critical role in professional development. Recently a number of international funding agencies have taken the centre stage in funding and creating professional development opportunities. Based on the experience from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, the Galilee International Management Institute and various Carnegie programmes a study was designed to highlight the structure/format and the objectives of the programmes with a view to determining the benefits and the impact of these programmes on the participants and their institutions. A questionnaire was administered to participants of the named programmes. The findings were that the CPD programmes were relevant and adequate; as the participants had improved their knowledge, skills and attitude, they were able to share cultural values, and networked and collaborated among themselves and host countries. The knowledge gained from the programmes has been ploughed back into their professional work which has resulted in improved service delivery at work, commitment, positive attitudes and collaboration. The study therefore recommends that all librarians should endeavour to attend some of these training events since they are life-changing, and professional associations should endeavour to provide platforms for implementation of the acquired competencies, and the opportunity for more professionals to attend such programmes.