Certification Profile: Felix Uchenna Okpala, CPP
Dr. Felix Uchenna Okpala, CPP, started his career as an electrical engineer, but he always admired the hard work and dedication of security personnel. Okpala was also drawn to the high level of importance of the work, wanting to contribute to the greater good in this way.
Okpala earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and worked in that field for a few years before he decided to return to school and take some coursework in security and forensic studies. From there, he was hooked. Okpala applied for work with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, where he served in various roles, including executive protection and digital forensics.
Okpala also continued his education, earning an advanced degree from the Institute of National Security and Intelligence Studies in Abuja.
While perusing the Internet for more ways to develop in the security sector, Okpala came across ASIS International. Okpala joined ASIS in 2018 and immediately became involved with the local Abuja, Nigeria, chapter. He served as chapter treasurer for the Abuja chapter and on the NextGen (formerly Young Professionals) Community steering committee.
Shortly after joining, Okpala also decided he wanted to earn his Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) certification. Unfortunately, Okpala failed the final certification exam on his first attempt. Even so, he never gave up.
A few years later in 2022, he was able to dedicate more time and effort to preparing for his certification, using the ASIS certification study guides to work towards his certification. In May 2023, Okpala passed the exam, earning his CPP. The CPP certification is sometimes referred to as the “gold” certification because it is recognized internationally as the gold standard in security management.
“Earning the gold certification triples your charisma and confidence,” Okpala says. “It’s really a game changer.”
Okpala feels earning his CPP certification helped elevate him among his peers, in terms of promotions, expertise, and self-assurance in the workplace. Knowing the value of the CPP, Okpala plans to earn both the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI®) and Physical Security Professional (PSP®) certifications in the future to complete the ASIS triple crown.
Earning the gold certification triples your charisma and confidence. It’s really a game changer.
One of the things Okpala appreciates most about being an ASIS member is the opportunity to attend Global Security Exchange (GSX). In 2022, Okpala was awarded a scholarship to attend GSX in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, provided by the NextGen Community.
“The greatest shock and beauty of all was attending Global Security Exchange,” Okpala says. “It was eye opening, and it exposed me to latest trends and valuable information about the organization I belong to.”
Since then, Okpala has attended both the 2023 and 2024 conferences and looks forward to attending this year’s event in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Currently, Okpala works as superintendent of corps for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps. He also volunteers as an ASIS Connects Ambassador and serves on the steering committee for the Fire and Life Safety Steering Committee.
Emily Callahan is a communications specialist for ASIS International. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.
