“People of like minds and goals form formidable networks.”
Ekaette Bassey, Information Manager at the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, explains the multiplying power of networks and the credibility certification gives professionals.
What roles does networking play in implementing and promoting best practices?
Networking is a strong cord that coordinates, sustains and encourages the sharing of best practices in any given industry. Active networking is very crucial in implementing and promoting nuclear safety and security across the world. Networking is a great way to exchange knowledge of best practices, learn about the experiences of your peers, and stay abreast of the latest industry developments.
People of like minds and goals form formidable networks to promote their cause through information sharing, forming trust and helping one another towards achieving these goals.
Best practices are good and effective practices that have been developed or practiced by organisations that are worthy of emulation. Such practices promote the safety and security of nuclear materials and thus must be encouraged across the industry. The implementation of such identified practices in the long run fosters trust and confidence in the industry and allays public fears. These identified best practices can be promoted across the industry through proper networking.
It boosts productivity as it benefits both members and their organisations directly and thus drives positive change across the organisation.
How does certification build the professional profile of WINS Academy Alumni?
Certification in one’s field shows that you have demonstrated commitment to understanding and excelling in your profession. To be certified by WINS, one must write examinations after completing the modules. This requires a great sense of commitment and zeal for knowledge, which is what every organisation needs.
The WINS Academy enables alumni to stay on top of trends and learn new things about nuclear security and best practices in the industry. By acquiring new and updated industry information or techniques, alumni can hone their current work skills and build professional efficiency. Certification demonstrates staff commitment to superior professionalism and upholding industry standards as well as a zest to continue learning.
“The more information workers are exposed to, the stronger the industry becomes.”
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
I completed the Communicating with Civil Society and Nuclear Security Incident Management electives. My choice of electives was basically influenced by my yearnings to learn more about the nuclear industry in order to effectively communicate messages to the public, thereby allaying existing fears and misinformation and in their place creating trust in the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority as a competent authority to regulate all practices involving radiation uses in Nigeria. Certified Nuclear Security Professional status has made me a more confident nuclear communicator. I can now communicate technical matters in more concise and easily understood language.
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
An ambassador is a brand promoter, and WINS is definitely a good brand that deserves all the publicity and awareness amongst its various stakeholders.
As a beneficiary of the WINS Academy, I have been exposed to information on nuclear security and best practices through participating in WINS trainings and programmes. This has boosted my confidence and further enhanced my ability to communicate issues in the industry more effectively to stakeholders. All this exposure has translated to more confidence and greater productivity in my job.
My inspiration to be a WINS Academy Ambassador is to create awareness about WINS’ well-tailored trainings and highlight its enormous benefits in the industry. I want to encourage more people to take advantage of these trainings to hone their skills, improve their professional knowledge and encourage the sharing and embedding of best practices in the industry. I believe that the more information workers are exposed to, the stronger the industry becomes.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
Firstly I want to congratulate everyone who decided to undertake the WINS Academy modules. This is a very committed move that must be applauded. I encourage you to complete your chosen module and get certified. Certification in the industry will boost our credibility and productivity.
For those considering enrolling for any of the modules, welcome on board. This study will broaden your scope of understanding and bring you up to par with what is happening in the area of nuclear security and encourage the implementation of best practices across the world. Knowledge breeds confidence, and this translates to improved productivity.
From the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority:
How has your organisation benefitted from Ekaette achieving certified nuclear security professional status?
The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority is an organisation that comprises professionals like engineers, physicists, administrators, communicators, lawyers, geophysists and many others who have come together to harness their strength for the good of the nuclear industry.
The training received by Ekaette has boosted her confidence and knowledge base as WINS trainings are communicated in very easy-to-understand modules.
Certification exposed the staff of the organisation to the opportunities that abound in the nuclear industry for professionals from different backgrounds and fields of study. Everyone in the industry is important and has a part to play to ensure nuclear safety and security.
“WINS certification has motivated our staff and made them more confident to enforce learnt best practices.”
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development?
Our organisation has benefited from WINS certification immensely; WINS manuals have influenced the training manuals for both technical and non-technical NNRA staff.
WINS certification has motivated our staff and made them more confident to enforce learnt best practices. This has promoted safety and security culture in our organisation. It has also increased the productivity level in the organisation, as a well-trained staff adds value to the organisation.
