ABOUT ICEN

ICEN FOUNDATION

Until the recent past, it was difficult for economists to identify themselves with any professional body because of the non-existence of an organized and independent professional body to regulate the conduct and activities of the profession. This problem of identification has forced a good number of our economists to become marketers, bankers, accountants, or administrators without genuine enthusiasm. The economics profession, which hitherto had an in-built honour and dignity, suddenly turned out to be at the mercy of other professional bodies for acceptance and recognition….

ESTABLISHMENT OF ICEN

ICEN was founded in 1998 in Kaduna, Nigeria, and was established under Act 1, Cap 59 of 1990, and gazetted by the House of Representatives in 2012 and 2024. The Federal Government approval was secured via additional Registration, with approval Number NG/TM/2022/67881 to authenticate its legality and acceptability in Nigeria with the following additional responsibilities:
i.Provision of education to Nigerians.
ii.Provision of training.
iii.Provisions of entertainment.
iv.Sporting and Cultural activities…

VISION AND ASPIRATION OF ICEN

The founders of ICEN aimed to establish facilities for the training and retraining of professional economists to better serve the Nigerian economy. In light of the Institute’s experiences in recent years and the significant challenges currently facing the economics profession in Nigeria, the council and management are committed to refocusing, restructuring, and revitalizing the Institute to more effectively fulfill its mandate…

MISSION STATEMENT

The primary mandate of the Institute will continue to align with its established objectives. However, in the near future, the Institute will concentrate more on producing, regularly updating, and enhancing the skills of professional economists essential for the foundational level of the economy. Additionally, the Institute will collaborate with relevant professional organizations to promote a high standard of professionalism among Nigerian economists.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF ICEN

The ICEN provides equal opportunities for economists in both developed and developing countries, including Nigeria. It offers professional training for individuals across various fields. However, the entire system faces challenges due to a shortage of resources, both human and material. The Institute addresses these shortages, which traditional institutions often cannot meet. Additionally, it helps align the economic profession with the country's needs. Therefore, ICEN serves as a valuable option for the training and retraining of professional economists in an economy like Nigeria's.

WHY BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL ECONOMIST

Education is increasingly becoming an essential commodity that many aspire to attain. The high unemployment rate, combined with a challenging economic climate, often compels individuals in the middle tiers of employment to seek alternative training opportunities to acquire new skills while maintaining their current jobs. The Institute offers a viable option for these individuals by providing professional training that meets their needs while ensuring job security...

RATIONALE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

The need to professionalize economics highlights the importance for practicing economists to gain a deeper understanding of their roles. University graduates, whether they are already economists or preparing for economist positions, must receive training to become professional economists. This training is essential for them to adapt effectively to their jobs.

About ICEN