It has been 18 months since the amendment of the ICSAN Bill was set in motion, yet the Institute remains resolute, promising to keep pushing until the bill finally becomes law.

The bill seeks to transform ICSAN to Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN) and once passed into law, it will not only reposition the Institute but also redefine the professional identity of its members.

Uto Ukpanah, President of the institute told newsmen in Lagos while marking her 100 days in office that the change of name to CGIN will assist to expand the institute mandate beyond traditional secretarial practice to embrace the broader dimensions of governance practice.

“This development will open fresh vistas of recognition, relevance, and influence for our members across all sectors. The Governing Council is fully committed to seeing this process through, working hand-in-hand with relevant stakeholders to achieve speedy passage and gazetting”.

“Changing the name will provide that mindset and orientation that the institute is much broader than secretarial. Governance includes risk management, includes ESG, includes compliance, administration. It is so broad. And so it will enable us to reflect the broader scope of governance that our practitioners cover”, she said.

She also reported that progress of work on the N3.5 billion ICSAN secretariate has been both encouraging and consistent. She said her vision is to maintain this momentum and deliver the project in record time, ideally less than the 36 months project timeline. “This building is not just a structure; it is a symbol of our collective aspiration, our permanence, and our institutional pride”.

Ukpanah renewed the institute appeal to all its members, corporate partners, prospective donors and friends of ICSAN to join hands with the institute by contributing financially or in kind to ensure early completion of the 3-floor secretariate.

According to her, the institute is expanding collaboration with tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Ukpanah announced signing of linkage agreement with the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos State. “This partnership has broadened the Institute’s reach in advancing governance education and capacity development.

“In addition, we are currently in discussions with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Covenant University, Ota and the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. These partnerships will enhance curriculum integration, student membership growth, and professional awareness among young Nigerians, thus ensuring that ICSAN continues to nurture the next generation of governance professionals”.

She further said the Institute has also intensified high-level visits and engagements with government agencies, development partners, and corporate leaders.

The president said beginning next year, the institute will mark its 60 years anniversary. Already she said a planning committee tasked with designing, coordinating, and executing a memorable programme of events has been set up.