Uto Ukpanah, the newly inaugurated President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSA Nigeria), has unveiled a bold roadmap for her two-year tenure, centered on youth inclusion, geographic expansion into Northern Nigeria, and a strategic rebranding to align with global governance standards.
Ukpanah, who was sworn in as the 30th president and the second consecutive woman to lead the institute, announced her vision during an investiture ceremony on Wednesday. Currently serving as Company Secretary at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and the MTN Nigeria Foundation, she brings a wealth of corporate governance experience, having been recognized as the Global Corporate Secretary of the Year at the 2024 Corporate Secretaries International Association Global Governance Awards in Malaysia.
In her acceptance speech, Ukpanah declared her leadership theme—“Expanding the Scope of Developments, Building on Legacy of Visionary Leadership” —as more than a slogan, but a “philosophical and strategic call to action.” She emphasized a balance between preserving institutional heritage and embracing innovation for sustainable progress.
“I accept this mantle of leadership with humility and purpose,” she said. “We will prioritize continuity, but we will also innovate. We will preserve our legacy, yet remain open to disruption.”
A New Vision: Uto Ukpanah ICSAN and the Push for ICSAN 2.0
Central to her agenda is ICSAN 2.0 , a strategic initiative aimed at engaging younger professionals, particularly Gen Z. Ukpanah stressed the importance of intergenerational inclusion, noting that the future of corporate governance depends on tapping into the digital fluency and creativity of Nigeria’s youth.
To achieve this, she announced the creation of a Young Professionals Forum , designed not by qualification date but by generational identity. The forum will serve as a pipeline for fresh talent and a platform for mentorship, skill development, and policy engagement.
Expanding Northward: Strengthening National Footprint
Ukpanah also committed to deepening ICSAN’s presence in Northern Nigeria, building on existing gains and expanding into underserved regions. New chapters are planned in key states such as Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, and Kwara—locations chosen for their strategic importance and accessibility.
“We will host landmark events in the North as part of the ICSAN@60 celebration, launch public lectures, and governance dialogues in northern cities,” she said. “This is not just about expansion—it’s a strategic commitment to inclusion, federal character, and national visibility.”
She pledged to revitalize existing chapters while establishing new ones, ensuring that every region feels the presence and impact of Uto Ukpanah ICSAN leadership.
From ICSAN to CGIN: A Strategic Rebrand for Global Relevance
Another major pillar of her administration is the proposed transition from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) to the Corporate Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN) . This rebranding aligns with international trends in countries like the UK, South Africa, and India, where similar institutions have evolved to reflect the broader role of governance professionals.
“The name change is not cosmetic,” Ukpanah emphasized. “It reinforces our members as compliance gatekeepers and governance moderators in both public and private sectors. This is a strategic repositioning for relevance, prestige, and modern identity.”
The move hinges on the passage of the ICSAN Amendment Bill, which her administration will actively champion.
Legacy and Leadership: Ekundayo’s Valedictory Message
In her valedictory address, outgoing president Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo highlighted key achievements of her tenure, including significant progress on the construction of ICSAN’s National Secretariat. “What was a distant dream two years ago now has a foundation and rising structure,” she said. “This is more than a building—it’s a legacy project.”
Ekundayo also celebrated the signing of six strategic linkage agreements with universities—Caleb University, Redeemer’s University, Obong University, Chrisland University, University of Uyo, and Topfaith University—alongside a partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). These collaborations are expected to boost the visibility of ICSAN qualifications and strengthen the pipeline of governance professionals.
Passing the leadership baton to another woman, Ekundayo expressed full confidence in Ukpanah. “She is astute, visionary, and principled,” Ekundayo said. “I have no doubt she will move ICSAN to greater heights.” She added, “I may be stepping down, but I am not stepping away. I remain committed to the institute’s mission.”
With a clear vision, a focus on inclusivity, and a drive for modernization, Uto Ukpanah ICSAN is set to lead a transformative chapter in the institute’s 60-year history.
Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/businessnewsng?igsh=ZXpweTdjOGF1ZXdu
