Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage at the Chartered Institute of Certified Secretaries and Reporters of Nigeria’s (CICSRN) 38th Annual National Conference and 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos. The event brought together professionals, academics, and policymakers to explore how emerging technologies are transforming office management and public administration. Over the course of four days, participants engaged in discussions on AI’s role in enhancing administrative efficiency, modernising workplace practices, and shaping the future of governance in Nigeria.
At the conclusion of the conference, the institute issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to modernising Nigeria’s administrative systems. The announcement coincided with the inauguration of the new Governing Board and a focused exploration of strategies for navigating an AI-driven professional environment. Themed “Effective Applications of AI Technology in Office Management and Administration,” the conference attracted stakeholders from across the country, including scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
A key highlight of the opening day was the formal inauguration of the newly elected Governing Board, following the institute’s elections held on 5 June 2025. Mrs Ubege Omonogor was installed as President and Chairman of Council, with Mr Gwonson Joshua and Mrs Taiyek Osarugue appointed as First and Second Vice Presidents, respectively. The ceremony was officiated by the founder and pioneer Registrar-General, Samuel Ozomah. Additionally, the institute introduced its incoming Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Goodluck Nnorom, a distinguished academic from Caleb University, Imota, signaling a new phase in the institute’s leadership.
In her inaugural address, Mrs Omonogor traced CICSRN’s development since its founding in 1981, highlighting its enduring legacy of integrity, professionalism, and excellence. She assured members that the new Board would uphold the vision and principles laid down by the institute’s founding fathers while embracing innovation and new opportunities presented by AI-driven workplace transformations. She emphasized that the institute would continue to evolve and maintain its relevance in an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping administrative processes across sectors.
The technical sessions were formally opened by the Special Guest of Honour, the Permanent Secretary for Establishment and Training, Mrs Busola Abidakun, who was represented by Mr Babatunde. These sessions offered participants a platform to discuss practical strategies for integrating AI into office management and administrative functions. The keynote lecture, delivered by Dr Anthony Okungbowa, Head of Service, Edo State, focused on “Navigating the AI-Driven Regulatory Landscape.” Dr Okungbowa shared insights on the implications of AI for public service administration, highlighting the need for proactive policies, ethical considerations, and capacity building to ensure effective adoption of emerging technologies.
Overall, the 38th Annual Conference and AGM provided a forward-looking forum for examining the intersection of technology and administration. By combining leadership transitions, professional development, and thought leadership on AI, CICSRN reinforced its role as a catalyst for modernising administrative practices in Nigeria. The event underscored the institute’s dedication to preparing members and the wider administrative community for the opportunities and challenges of an AI-driven workplace, ensuring that professional standards, governance, and efficiency remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s public and private sector administration.
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