New ICAN president focuses on governance changes

The new President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, has announced a nine-point plan. This plan focuses on digital transformation, professional excellence, ethics, sustainability, and better engagement in national development. Seghosime spoke at her investiture ceremony at the ICAN Secretariat in Lagos on Tuesday. She said her administration will follow the nine pillars of “WE ARE ICAN.” This vision aims to reshape the institute and the accounting profession for the future. “ICAN must not merely respond to change. ICAN must lead change,” she stated.

Seghosime emphasized that the institute will work to promote accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public and private sectors. “We will continue strategic public-interest leadership. Through research, advocacy, and thought leadership, we will advance accountability, champion transparency, fiscal responsibility, sound governance, and national development,” she said. She added that ICAN plans to increase its role in public policy and improve its Accountability Index to help influence changes in governance.

A key part of her plan is digital transformation and preparing members for new technologies. “We will reinvent the profession through digital transformation. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and emerging technologies are reshaping the world,” Seghosime explained. “We will equip our members and ensure our systems remain at the forefront of innovation and global influence.” The new president also aims to expand ICAN’s global presence by building stronger partnerships with professional bodies, regulators, academic institutions, and development organizations.

“We will expand strategic partnerships. We shall deepen engagement with international professional bodies, development institutions, regulators, universities, and strategic partners to shape global conversations about the future of the profession and ensure that the voice of ICAN continues to be heard,” she said. On the topic of professional development, Seghosime mentioned that the institute would modernize learning frameworks and work towards setting up an executive business school.

She also promised to make the profession more accessible by creating more opportunities for students, women, and disadvantaged groups, while also strengthening ICAN’s presence across Africa. Seghosime further committed to promoting sustainability and responsible business practices among members.

“We will champion sustainability and value creation. We shall promote ESG reporting, integrated reporting, sustainable finance, and responsible business practices. Our members must become leaders in creating long-term value for organizations and society,” she stated. Regarding member welfare, she said that being an ICAN member must continue to be both prestigious and rewarding.

She highlighted ethics and integrity as the core values of the profession and promised to enforce stricter compliance and ongoing ethics education.