Uto Ukpanah, the newly inaugurated 30th President and Chairman in Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), has outlined a comprehensive agenda for her two-year tenure, focusing on youth engagement, northern expansion, and a significant name change for the institute. Ukpanah, who also serves as Company Secretary at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and the MTN Nigeria Foundation, brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to her new role, having recently been awarded the Global Corporate Secretary of the Year. Her vision, encapsulated in the theme “Expanding the Scope of Developments, Building on Legacy of Visionary Leadership,” promises a dynamic period of growth and transformation for ICSAN.
A key priority for Ukpanah’s presidency is to engage the younger generation, recognizing their crucial role in the future of governance. This will involve the establishment of a Young Professionals Forum specifically targeted at Generation Z, emphasizing not just outreach but genuine intergenerational inclusion. This initiative acknowledges the importance of integrating the energy, creativity, and digital fluency of young professionals into the fabric of the institute, ensuring its continued relevance and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of governance. By fostering a collaborative environment between established members and emerging professionals, ICSAN aims to nurture a vibrant and future-ready community of governance experts.
Expanding ICSAN’s presence in Northern Nigeria represents another significant objective for Ukpanah’s administration. Building upon previous efforts, the institute plans to establish new chapters in strategically important locations, including states with airports such as Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, and Kwara. This expansion will be supported by landmark events celebrating ICSAN’s 60th anniversary, as well as public lectures and governance dialogues held in northern cities. These initiatives aim to cultivate future chapters and foster a broader understanding and appreciation of governance principles in the region. Ultimately, this expansion seeks to ensure that ICSAN’s presence is felt throughout the nation, promoting inclusivity and strengthening its role as a national body.
A transformative change on Ukpanah’s agenda is the proposed transition from ICSAN to the Corporate Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN). This name change reflects the institute’s evolving role and aligns it with international best practices observed in countries like South Africa, the UK, and India. The transition to CGIN underscores the importance of aligning the institute’s identity with the broader global landscape of corporate governance. This strategic repositioning not only enhances the institute’s prestige and modern identity but also strengthens the position of its members as key players in compliance and governance within both the public and private sectors. By adopting this new name, CGIN will solidify its commitment to contemporary governance principles and reinforce its relevance in a rapidly changing world.
The outgoing 29th president, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, reflected on her achievements during her tenure, highlighting substantial progress on the construction of the institute’s national secretariat, a project she described as a legacy testament to ICSAN’s future. Furthermore, Ekundayo emphasized the establishment of six strategic linkage agreements with reputable universities across the country, including Caleb University, Redeemer’s University, Obong University, Chrisland University, University of Uyo, and Topfaith University, as well as a partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). These partnerships are designed to enhance the visibility of ICSAN’s qualifications and ensure a consistent stream of well-trained professionals entering the field. These achievements, according to Ekundayo, represent a strong foundation for continued growth and development under Ukpanah’s leadership.
Ekundayo expressed full confidence in Ukpanah’s abilities, describing her successor as astute, visionary, and principled, possessing the necessary leadership qualities to elevate the institute to new heights. She called for the unwavering support of all members, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving ICSAN’s goals. While stepping down from her role as president, Ekundayo reiterated her continued commitment to the institute’s ideals and pledged her ongoing support for its future progress. This smooth transition of leadership signifies the institute’s commitment to continuity and its dedication to fostering a collaborative environment for the advancement of governance principles in Nigeria. Ekundayo’s endorsement of Ukpanah signifies a unified vision for the future of ICSAN and a shared commitment to its continued success.
