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Ahmad Tijjani
KANO — The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), on Thursday revealed plans to change its name to the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN), saying the move is aimed at reflecting the evolving nature of the governance profession and aligning with global best practices.
Founded 60 years ago, ICSAN is Nigeria’s leading professional body for chartered secretaries, administrators and governance practitioners.
President and Chairman of the Governing Council of ICSAN, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, made the disclosure in Kano during the institute’s 60th anniversary celebration and inauguration of its Kano State Chapter.
Ukpanah said a bill seeking the name change is currently before the National Assembly and expressed optimism that lawmakers would approve the proposal.
“In furtherance of our commitment to reflect the diversity in the range of professions that populate the governance landscape and the pivotal role of ICSAN, there is a bill before the National Assembly to change the name of the Institute to Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN),” she said.
According to her, the proposed rebranding would align the Nigerian institute with similar professional bodies in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and South Africa.
“This will enable us to align with peer institutes in other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, Canada, South Africa, among others. We are optimistic that this will soon be achieved,” she added.
The ICSAN president further revealed that the institute had intensified stakeholder engagement to secure support for the proposal, including consultations with key government officials and lawmakers.
She noted that during a courtesy visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima in May 2026, the institute received assurances of the Federal Government’s support for the initiative.
“We were at the Presidential Villa and during a courtesy visit to His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, we were assured of the Federal Government’s support in this regard. We continue to engage the respective stakeholders in the National Assembly as well,” she said.
Reflecting on the institute’s six decades of existence, Ukpanah said ICSAN had remained at the forefront of promoting corporate governance, accountability, ethical leadership and professional excellence in Nigeria.
She said the anniversary theme, “Six Decades of Excellence: Shaping Governance, Empowering Futures,” underscored the institute’s commitment to strengthening institutions and preparing the next generation of governance professionals.
