The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), was originally founded in England in October 1891 and was known as the Institute of Secretaries. In 1902 it was granted its Royal Charter and became the Chartered Institute of Secretaries. The name has since been changed to the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators to more fully describe the status and capabilities of the members. Today, ICSA has divisions in South Africa, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Zimbabwe and associate branches in many countries of the world.
The Institute in Nigeria was established about 50 years ago as an associate of the international body. The Nigerian Chapter was granted autonomy in August, 1988 and incorporated under the Companies Act 1968. It became Chartered by Decree 19 of 1991(Now ACT CAP I13 LFN 2004).
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) is a leading recognised professional body dedicated to enhancing the status and practice of corporate governance and administration in both the public and private sectors of the economy.
The Institute’s Qualification is recognised globally. ICSAN is the only professional body authorised in Nigeria to conduct the examinations leading to the qualification of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. ICSAN is a member of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), registered as a global voice for Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals.