ICSAN Pursues Name Change, Awaits NASS Approval -Official
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has intensified efforts to secure legislative approval for its proposed name change to the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN), as part of moves to reflect the evolving governance profession.
President and Chairman of the Governing Council of ICSAN, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, disclosed this on Thursday during the institute’s 60th anniversary celebration and inauguration of its Kano State Chapter.
According to her, a bill seeking the name change is currently before the National Assembly and is receiving attention from relevant stakeholders.
“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),” Ukpanah said.
She explained that the proposed rebranding would bring the institute in line with similar professional bodies across the world and better capture its expanding role in governance practice.
“This will enable us to align with peer institutes in other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, Canada and South Africa. We are optimistic that this will soon be achieved,” she added.
Ukpanah revealed that the institute has continued to engage key government officials and lawmakers to facilitate the passage of the bill.
She recalled that during a courtesy visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima in May 2026, the institute received assurances of support from the Federal Government.
“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.
The ICSAN president noted that the proposed transition underscores the institute’s commitment to strengthening governance, promoting accountability and preparing professionals for emerging leadership challenges.
She said the institute, founded 60 years ago, remains dedicated to advancing ethical leadership, corporate governance and institutional excellence across Nigeria.