Uto Ukpanah becomes ICSAN President, unveils vision for nationwide expansion, others

Nike Popoola

The newly inaugurated President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, has outlined a bold and visionary agenda to expand the Institute’s national presence, deepen youth engagement, elevate digital transformation, and consolidate ICSAN’s leadership in governance thought and practice.

Speaking during her investiture as the 30th President of the Institute, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos today, Wednesday, Ukpanah unveiled the theme of her tenure: “Expanding the Scope of Developments, Building on Legacy of Visionary Leadership.”

The well-attended event drew top dignitaries, business leaders, and government officials, many of whom applauded Ukpanah’s leadership credentials and expressed strong confidence in her vision.

She pledged to broaden ICSAN’s relevance across sectors and regions while reinforcing the ethical and professional standards for which the Institute is known.

A central focus of her administration will be deepening engagement with young professionals through the establishment of a Young Professionals Forum, social media-driven governance storytelling, and an expanded Internship Scheme that bridges theory with corporate experience.

Ukpanah also announced plans to extend ICSAN’s presence in Northern Nigeria by establishing new chapters in strategic cities and launching governance dialogues across the region.

To mark ICSAN’s 60th anniversary next year, she said, a series of high-impact public engagements, community outreach, and media events are planned to celebrate its legacy and enhance visibility. She also pledged to modernize the Institute’s digital platforms and complete the national secretariat project.

Ukpanah emphasized her commitment to governance reform, academic collaboration, membership growth, policy advocacy, and international partnerships. She also announced plans for a name change to the Corporate Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN) to reflect the evolving global identity of governance professionals.
In a heartfelt valedictory address, outgoing President, ICSAN, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, FCIS, reflected on a successful and impactful tenure marked by institutional reforms and legacy-building initiatives.

Ekundayo highlighted achievements including strengthened ties with regulatory agencies, the commencement of ICSAN’s National Secretariat building, introduction of a Corporate Governance MSc programme in partnership with NILDS and UNIBEN, and the establishment of new chapters, notably the Kaduna Chapter. She also celebrated enhanced media visibility, academic publications, and the historic growth in the Institute’s Practice Licence adoption.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as the need for deeper public sector recognition and the passage of the CGIN Bill, she expressed unwavering confidence in her successor, describing Ukpanah as visionary and fully equipped to advance the Institute’s goals.

Ekundayo concluded her speech with a message of hope and enduring commitment to ICSAN’s mission, declaring, “I may be taking a bow, but I am not taking a leave.”