ICSAN Professional Programme Handbook

ICSAN Professional Programme Students' Handbook Notes

Overview of ICSAN

  • Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)
    • Established in 1966 and chartered by ICSAN Act No. 19 of 1991.
    • An offshoot of the International Professional Body with headquarters in London, founded in 1891 (Royal Charter received in 1902).
    • Aims to enhance status and practice of Corporate Governance and Public Administration.
    • Incorporation: Originally an Associate in 1944 and later under Companies Act of 1968.

Objectives of ICSAN

  • Develop and promote professional ideals, standards, ethics, and code of conduct for Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
  • Encourage qualification acquisition and professional education programs.
  • Promote social interaction and solidarity among members.
  • Maintain an appointment register and foster professional practices.
  • Establish a student's section for development and encouragement of student activities.

Vocational Role of a Chartered Secretary

  • Definition: A multi-skilled professional capable of integrating into various organizational roles involving finance, administration, and management-related tasks.
  • Legal Context: Every public company must have a qualified Company Secretary. Only Chartered Secretary qualifications fully address this requirement.
  • Responsibilities vary by establishment; essential attributes include versatility, broad business knowledge, and administrative ability.

Path to Becoming a Chartered Secretary

  1. Complete Qualifying Examinations.
    • Successful candidates receive the designation Grad ICSAN after payment of the graduate fee.
  2. Demonstrate professional experience for full membership of ICSA.
    • Many students gain experience while studying.

Student Registration Requirements

  • Eligibility: Must possess a Higher National Diploma, Degree, or recognized professional qualification.
  • Exemptions available based on entry qualifications.

ICSAN Qualifying Examination Structure

Examination Programs

  • Foundation (equivalent to year 2 of a 3-year degree)
  • Pre-Professional (equivalent to a first degree)
  • Professional Part 1 and Part 2 (equivalent to a Master's Degree)

Subjects Listed

  • Foundation:

    • Communication Skills
    • Economics
    • General Principles of Law
    • Quantitative Techniques

  • Pre-Professional:

    • Business Law
    • Managing Information Systems
    • Introduction to Accounting
    • Management Principles and Practices

  • Professional Program Part I:

    • Financial Accounting
    • Corporate Law
    • Corporate Financial Management
    • Corporate Governance

  • Professional Program Part II: Includes advanced topics in Strategic Management, Corporate Law, Financial Management, and Governance practices.

Entry Requirements for Each Level

  • SSCE, GCE O'levels, OND, NCE, relevant degrees, and recognized professional qualifications are eligible.
  • Graduates with relevant degrees are exempted from certain foundational courses depending on their qualifications.

Examination Dates and Registration

  • Examinations occur bi-annually in June and December.
  • Registration deadlines:
    • First Stream: 30th April
    • Second Stream: 31st October

Assessment Format

  • Duration: 3-hour closed-book exams.
  • Structure:
    • Section A: One compulsory question (40 marks, short answer, 70 mins)
    • Section B: Candidates select 3 questions from 5 (total 60 marks, long answer, 110 mins)

Required Study Materials

  • Fully integrated study texts provided by the Institute based on syllabus specifications.
  • These texts include self-assessment tests for students to evaluate their understanding and progress.

Detailed Course Information

1. Financial Accounting

  • Aim: Develop knowledge necessary for analyzing corporate financial performance.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Prepare financial statements in compliance with laws.
    • Contribute to corporate boardroom analysis of performance.
Learning Content
  • Conceptual and Regulatory Framework: Regulation sources, governance, qualitative characteristics, recognition in financial statements.
  • Preparation of Financial Statements: General features, cash flows, recognition, accounting policies, tax treatment, revenue recognition.

2. Strategic and Operations Management

  • Aim: Equip with skills necessary for strategic contexts of management.
  • Learning Outcomes: Apply strategy theory; contribute to corporate management and leadership.
  • Content: Strategic management concepts, cultural influences, managing change and performance evaluation.

3. Corporate Law

  • Aim: Understand and provide guidance on corporate law in business.
  • Topics Covered: Company formation, types of companies, statutory duties, director responsibilities, compliance.

4. Management Accounting

  • Aim: Enable Chartered Secretaries to employ management accounting in strategic roles.
  • Content: Cost analysis, budgeting, investment appraisals, short-term planning, financial control techniques.

5. Corporate Secretaryship and Board Dynamics

  • Aim: Responsible for corporate secretarial functions across organizations.
  • Learning Outcomes: Ensure corporate compliance, effective communication, and support board activities.
  • Topics Combined: Secretary’s role, directors’ perspectives, meeting procedures, shareholder rights.

6. Governance Across Sectors

  • Aim: Embrace roles in corporate, public, and not-for-profit governance.
  • Learning Outcomes: Apply governance principles and sustainability practices effectively.

Recommended Study Texts

  • A diverse set of financial management, corporate law, and governance-related textbooks are recommended across various sections to ensure comprehensive coverage of syllabus requirements and updated practices.

Contact Information for Queries

  • For further inquiries regarding registration and study materials, students can contact the Institute's Secretariat via the addresses provided in the handbook.