ICSAN explores AI integration in governance, data management

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has unveiled plans for governance professionals to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration to deliver effectively in governance and data management.

Mrs Abiola Laseinde, the Chairperson, ICSAN Corporate Members and Training Committee, said this during a news briefing on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was held to discuss the institute’s upcoming company secretaries and registrars’ forum scheduled for March 19 in Lagos.

The theme of the event is: “Enhancing the AI Mindset in Delivering Sustainability Principles on Data Management and Governance.”

Laseinde stressed the need to change the narrative on technology adoption, particularly among professionals to enhance organisational efficiency.

She said AI’s adoption would create a shift in mindsets from fear of AI to actively leveraging it as a tool for efficiency and innovation.

“As governance professionals, we deal heavily with data by virtue of our position.

“As company secretaries, we have directors and shareholders’ data that we manage under strict confidentiality with the right parameters and the principles of data, privacy, management, governance structure.

“So, it is important to infuse AI into this because we know that digital transformation is a key agenda.

“You either embrace digital transformation in whatever space you operate otherwise you become irrelevant and obsolete,” she said.

Laseinde noted that many professionals, particularly those from older generations, struggled to adapt to AI-driven tools.

To this end, she said, the forum would offer in-depth examination of AI’s role in governance and risk management and bridge the gap between technological advancements and governance practices.

She added that it targeted company secretaries, compliance officers, risk managers, legal experts, and finance professionals.

Laseinde urged participants to approach the forum with an open mind, emphasising that AI was here to stay and must be harnessed for professional advancement.

She also cautioned against the risks of AI ignorance, stating that failure to understand and adapt to AI could lead to vulnerabilities in data security and governance practices.

She expressed optimism that the forum would encourage participants to develop policies and position papers on AI adoption in their organisations.

“AI is here to stay and it is here to enhance and not to replace man.

“It is an accelerator and we need to ensure that we can get equipped because if you do not know how to use AI tools, it could work against you and then we could also lose professionalism,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Babatunde Okuneye, Registrar, ICSAN, encouraged professionals to embrace technology, warning that resistance to it could render them irrelevant in their fields.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Mrs Solape Adesuyi, Member, Corporate Members and Training Committee, said the annual forum was to enhance the performance and skills of all participants.

According to her, this year’s conference aims to provide relevant and up-to-date knowledge for professionals from various sectors, including the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the capital markets, and data protection specialists.

“Special emphasis is placed on registrars in the capital markets, professionals in data and AI, and individuals in the technological space looking to integrate technology into corporate governance,” she said.

NAN reports that the keynote speaker for the event is Mr Christopher Ogirri, Associate Director and Data Engineering Lead (Africa)Tech Platforms, (AI and Data Services) KPMG.

Other discussants include Company Secretary, United Capital Plc, Dr Leo Okafor; Uganda-based Corporate Governance Specialist, Mr Bamidele Oseni, and Group Head Communications and Partnerships, NGX, Mr Clifford Akpolo.