ISCAN seeks reforms to boost economic growth

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria has urged for structural reforms to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.

The call was made by the founder of Chair Centre Group, Ibukun Awosika, at the ISCAN’s 48th Annual Conference, held on Thursday in Lagos.

She stated that the conference’s theme: “Reassessing the Governance Dynamics in Nigeria’s Transition to Enduring Development and National Prosperity” underscored the necessity for a cohesive national strategy to drive development, highlighting the role of education in fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making.

Awosika criticised the current educational system for not adequately preparing citizens, stating, “An educated electorate is powerful. Without it, we risk being misled by those seeking to exploit political or economic power.”

She also called for a separation of powers in the legal system to enhance transparency and efficiency, stressing the importance of trust in governance and investment.

The president of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Funmi Ekundayo, echoed the call for effective governance, noting, “Good governance is a bedrock of national progress.”

She outlined the institute’s role in promoting high standards of corporate governance and public administration, emphasising that transformative change was possible through improved governance dynamics.

In his keynote address, foremost professor of corporate governance, Fabian Ajogwu, highlighted the transformative power of education investments.

He referenced policies from the 1950s that resulted in substantial benefits for states that prioritised education.

He advocated for a policy framework that addresses disparities in funding and quality among educational institutions, stressing that such reforms were essential for fostering human capital development and economic progress.