ICSAN BEGINS LOCAL EXAMINATION IN JUNE

ALL appear set for the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) to begin its local examinations in the country with effect from June.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of ICSAN, Mr. Dele Togunde, who gave the hint in a statement in Lagos, said that the action followed the outcry of students about the challenges posed by the administrative bottleneck in writing the London examinations.

These include the payment in foreign currency and sometimes, the communication gap between Nigeria and the parent body.

Togunde said that when fully operational, students could pay in naira locally to write the examinations.

Hitherto, the examinations of ICSAN were conducted by the Institute in London, making it difficult for both the home body and the students to relate effectively.

According to Togunde, the examinations will be certified by ICSAN as enabled by the Act establishing it, pointing out that it would be a mirror of the current ICSA scheme.

According to the registrar, it has also been adapted to the Nigerian environment by introducing laws, regulations and guidelines in place of those of the United Kingdom where appropriate.

The registrar said that with the new development, students would have the advantage of qualifying as Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in the Nigerian context.

He said this will make the graduates relevant to the Nigerian economy and acceptable internationally, adding that the scheme had not removed the international flavour of the programme, as the subjects offered would continued to be examined.

He reminded the public that the current scheme would go on hand in hand for those, who wish to go on with it. Togunde assured Nigerians that necessary logistics had been put in place to ensure that the new scheme maintained international standards.

According to him, the Institute operates two examination schemes.  These are the ICSA International Professional Examination and the Professional Diploma in Corporate and Public Administration Examinations.

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria is the leading recognised professional body in Nigeria dedicated to enhancing the status and practice of corporate governance and public administration.

It is an offshoot of the International Professional Body with its headquarters in London and divisions and associations in more than 70 countries worldwide. The international body was founded in 1891 and chartered in 1902. It was established in Nigeria 53 years ago and was chartered in 1991.