The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) is poised to formally install Mrs. Uto Ukpanah as its 30th President and Chairman of the Governing Council, marking a significant transition in leadership for the esteemed professional body. This investiture, scheduled for next Wednesday, follows the successful two-year tenure of Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, ICSAN’s first female president, whose leadership was marked by innovation, institutional reform, and substantial progress. Mrs. Ukpanah’s ascension to the presidency comes on the heels of her remarkable achievement as the inaugural recipient of the Global Corporate Secretary of the Year Award, conferred by the Corporate Secretaries International Association in 2024, further underscoring her exceptional qualifications and professional standing. Her presidency promises a new era of growth and development for ICSAN, building upon the strong foundation laid by her predecessor.
Mrs. Ukpanah, currently serving as the Company Secretary of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and the MTN Nigeria Foundation Limited by Guarantee, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to her new role. Her presidency will operate under the thematic banner of “Expanding the Scope of Developments, Building on the Legacy of Visionary Leadership,” a theme that directly reflects her commitment to furthering ICSAN’s mission and expanding its influence within the Nigerian corporate landscape. This theme also signifies a deliberate continuation and expansion of the work initiated by Mrs. Ekundayo, whose tenure focused on “At the Speed of Thought: Innovating Impact and Thriving Through Emerging Trends.” While Mrs. Ekundayo prioritized adapting to the rapidly evolving governance environment, Mrs. Ukpanah’s leadership will emphasize consolidation and expansive growth, building upon the innovations and reforms introduced during the previous administration.
The core objectives of Mrs. Ukpanah’s presidency are multifaceted and strategically aligned to enhance ICSAN’s impact and relevance. Central to her agenda is the advancement of corporate governance principles and practices across both public and private sectors in Nigeria. This commitment reflects the growing recognition of good corporate governance as a crucial driver of sustainable economic development and investor confidence. She will also prioritize strengthening ICSAN’s relationships with key regulatory bodies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), fostering collaborative partnerships to promote effective regulation and compliance.
Furthermore, Mrs. Ukpanah’s leadership will focus on ensuring significant progress in the construction of ICSAN’s new National Secretariat, a project that symbolizes the Institute’s commitment to providing a modern and functional hub for its members and activities. This infrastructural development is seen as crucial to supporting ICSAN’s continued growth and enhancing its capacity to deliver high-quality professional development programs and services. She will also work to solidify ICSAN’s position as the leading advocate for corporate governance in Nigeria, championing best practices and driving awareness of the importance of ethical and transparent corporate conduct.
Another key priority of Mrs. Ukpanah’s presidency will be the formalization of partnerships with leading universities in Nigeria to establish academic linkage programs. These collaborations aim to bridge the gap between academia and professional practice, providing students with valuable exposure to real-world corporate governance challenges and opportunities. These partnerships will also contribute to the development of a robust pipeline of qualified and skilled professionals who can contribute to the advancement of corporate governance in Nigeria. By fostering these academic linkages, ICSAN seeks to strengthen its role in shaping the future of the profession and ensuring a steady supply of competent corporate secretaries and administrators.
In summary, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah’s investiture as the 30th President of ICSAN marks a pivotal moment for the Institute. Her presidency, guided by the theme “Expanding the Scope of Developments, Building on the Legacy of Visionary Leadership,” promises a period of focused growth and consolidation. Her strategic priorities encompass advancing corporate governance standards, strengthening regulatory relationships, completing the new National Secretariat, reinforcing ICSAN’s position as the foremost advocate for corporate governance, and forging academic partnerships with top universities. These initiatives are strategically designed to elevate ICSAN’s impact, enhance its members’ professional development, and contribute to the overall improvement of corporate governance practices in Nigeria. Her leadership, coupled with her proven track record and recent international recognition, positions ICSAN for continued success and strengthens its role as a vital contributor to the Nigerian business landscape.
