The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has ushered in a new era of leadership as Mrs. Uto Ukpanah formally assumes her role as the 30th President and Chairman of the Governing Council. In her inaugural address, Ukpanah laid out an ambitious vision aimed at deepening the role of Gen Z professionals in governance, expanding ICSAN’s national footprint, and modernizing its institutional infrastructure.
Ukpanah, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in corporate governance and legal compliance, outlined her priorities during her investiture ceremony in Lagos. Her tenure, she emphasized, would focus on inclusion, digital innovation, and capacity-building tailored for the emerging generation of professionals.
At the heart of her strategy is a deliberate campaign to attract and groom young Nigerians—particularly members of Generation Z—into the world of corporate governance, administration, and compliance. She highlighted the importance of bridging the generational gap within the institution and across the broader governance landscape.
“Gen Z represents the future of corporate administration and leadership,” Ukpanah stated. “They are digital natives, innovative thinkers, and bold problem-solvers. ICSAN must embrace them, train them, and create pathways for their professional growth and national service.”
To achieve this, the institute plans to introduce a “Next Generation Governance Programme.” The initiative will provide mentorship, technical training, and real-world exposure to young professionals across Nigeria. It will also include hybrid learning platforms—blending in-person seminars with online courses—to accommodate a tech-savvy audience.
Ukpanah also pledged to drive forward the completion of the Institute’s National Secretariat project in Alausa, Ikeja. The project, which began under the previous administration, is designed to serve as ICSAN’s permanent headquarters and will include administrative offices, conference halls, training centers, and a research hub.
She noted that the Secretariat will not only enhance ICSAN’s institutional capacity but also serve as a hub for corporate governance knowledge in Nigeria and across West Africa. “This is more than just a building project,” Ukpanah said. “It is a symbol of stability, foresight, and the future of our profession.”
Beyond infrastructure, her administration also plans to initiate reforms aimed at strengthening ICSAN’s regulatory collaborations. She revealed plans to establish closer working relationships with bodies like the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). These partnerships are expected to create better alignment on governance standards, corporate law reforms, and capacity development initiatives.
Inclusiveness is another critical pillar of Ukpanah’s agenda. Drawing from her prior advocacy work, she vowed to ensure ICSAN becomes more representative, giving voice and opportunity to women, youths, and professionals from underrepresented communities.
She observed that effective governance in Nigeria requires tapping into the talents of all demographics, especially as organizations confront increasingly complex regulatory and ethical demands.
The new ICSAN president also reiterated the need for financial sustainability within the institution. To this end, she promised to explore new revenue streams—such as leasing spaces in the Secretariat complex for corporate use, launching professional certification programs, and expanding ICSAN’s consulting services.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed Ukpanah’s emergence and her ambitious roadmap. Analysts say her background as a company secretary in a multinational firm, combined with her global exposure and advocacy skills, uniquely positions her to reposition ICSAN as a more dynamic and forward-thinking institution.
Members of the Governing Council praised her commitment to transparency, development, and generational transition, describing her as a consensus-builder with a strong ethical compass.
In a symbolic gesture to kickstart her tenure, Ukpanah announced the launch of a National Governance Essay Competition targeted at university students. The aim is to stimulate interest in governance studies and identify future leaders who may one day become professional administrators and company secretaries.
In closing her address, Ukpanah stated: “This moment is not about me; it is about what we can do together to create a stronger, more inclusive ICSAN that reflects the best of Nigeria’s intellectual and professional capacity.”
With the reins now in her hands, ICSAN members and observers will be watching closely to see how her administration delivers on its promise of transformation, youth engagement, and national relevance.
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