READ BEFORE APPLYING
ESTABLISHMENT OF ICGN:
ICGN was founded in 2009 in Kaduna, Nigeria, and was Incorporated or established the same year Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1, Cap 59 of 1990, RC No. 850620, and Trademark in 2026 by the Trademarks Act, Section 22(3), CAP 436 Laws Of The Federation of Nigeria 1990, Reg. No. NG/TM/O/2026/417580) as Institute of Chartered Geographers of Nigeria or in Nigeria to authenticate its legality and acceptability in Nigeria, with the following additional responsibilities added to ICGN’s previous objectives:
- Provision of education to Nigerians.
- Provision of training.
- Provisions of entertainment.
- Sporting and Cultural activities.
The purpose of this new registration is to protect the name, operational activities, and objectives from duplication by professional vendors within our society. No other organization in Nigeria shall have a similar name or objectives. We sincerely thank our legal teams and the Director General for their wisdom in this matter. The only recognized Institute of Chartered Geographers in Nigeria is ICGN. For your membership application, please follow the instructions below.
CATEGORY OF MEMBERSHIP – click as applicable
- YOUNG GEOGRAPHERS (STUDENTS)
- ASSOCIATE CHARTERED GEOGRAPHERS (FOR BSc, PGD & MSc. Only)
- FELLOW CHARTERED GEOGRAPHERS (FOR PH.D. & PROFESSORS Only)
YOUNG GEOGRAPHERS (STUDENT MEMBERSHIP)
This membership is available to individuals who do not meet the academic requirements for admission into the ACG examination or for obtaining Graduate Diploma membership status. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of five credits at SSCE, WASCE, or GCE; this must include English Language, Mathematics, Geography, and Economics.
Holders of University Diplomas from recognized universities in Nigeria, as well as those with a National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate of Education (NCE) from institutions accredited by the NUC, NBTE, and the National Board of Colleges of Education in Nigeria, are eligible for admission into the YG.
All individuals registered under the YG are required to take examinations at the foundation and intermediate levels. Upon successful completion of the YG, candidates will be awarded certificates and will have the right to use the designation “YG” after their names.
Student membership in the institute is open to anyone who possesses any of the following qualifications:
- The West African School Certificate (WAEC), with five credits in one or two sittings, with credits in Economics, Geography, Mathematics, and English Language.
- The National Examination Council Certificate (NECO) as in (1) above.
- National Business and Technical Examination Board Certificate as in (1) above.
- The Ordinary National Diploma of an accredited Nigerian or overseas polytechnic in any field.
- The Higher National Diploma from any accredited polytechnic as in (4) above.
- First or second-degree certificate of any accredited Nigerian or overseas University.
- National Certificate in Education (NCE).
- Any other professional Certificate or diploma recognized by the council.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (ACG)
The Associate membership of the Institute can only be obtained by completing all stages of the Institute Examinations, from the Foundation level to the Professional Examination level. Upon completion, the Board of the Institute, under the leadership of its Registrar, will formally present the graduates for induction as Members, which the President of the Institute will conduct after they have taken the Oath of Allegiance. This process involved conducting character assessments and evaluating academic quality through comprehensive interviews at various times.
The Associate membership of the Institute is awarded to:
- Candidates who have passed all sections of the professional examinations and have satisfied all other requirements laid down by the Institute for the award of an associate.
- After due consideration based on responsibility, experience, education, and training by the council, Directors in Ministries and public parastatals, Chief Executives in the private sectors who are professionally inclined to geographic matters and related disciplines may be awarded this category of membership.
- PGD and MSc or PhD holders in Geography may also sit for an examination or be given full exemption, as may be approved by the board.
The award of this category of membership entitles the holders to use the abbreviations ACG (Associate Chartered Geographers) after their names. An ACG holder stands a chance of direct entry into any of our university programmes.
Election:
The prospective candidates shall satisfy the council by:
- Completing the professional Examinations of ICGN from the foundation to the final stage or from the P I- P III competency course;
- Currently in related employment (management position or equivalent) for an aggregate of at least five years;
- Willing and able to promote, contribute to, and actively support the objectives of the ICGN and
- Willing and able to promote and make significant contributions to the development, advancement, and professional practice of the Chartered Geographers.
- Five years working experience or above for full exemption, but to write a term paper as research work to complement the examinations.
Benefits
Benefits of Associateship (for those who meet the above requirements):
- Associateship Certificate and Membership Internet identification card
- Use of the protected letters (ACG after their names)
- Discounted admission to international programs and co-sponsored events
- Up to 25% discount on specialist and qualifying programs
- Continuing development and life-long learning
- Letter of recommendation to any prospective employer or organization (based upon diligence, integrity, and achievements in the qualifying course).
FELLOW MEMBERSHIP (FCG)
This category of membership is exclusively reserved for founding members and a select few individuals recognized as esteemed professional geographers in their specific fields of expertise. Additionally, upon the council’s recommendation and approval, individuals who have provided exceptional services to the Institute or have significantly contributed to the implementation of the National Economic/Geographic Policy—thereby promoting the country’s economic growth and development—may also qualify for this membership.
Moreover, an associate member of the Institute who has practiced for at least ten (5) years and can provide evidence of their active involvement may apply for fellowship. This application is subject to the council’s ratification and must meet the established requirements for the award.
Fellowship holders are entitled to use the abbreviation FCG (Fellow Chartered Geographers) after their names.
Election
Candidates shall:
- Be or have been in employment (senior Executive level) for an aggregate of at least seven years or more.
- Be willing and able to promote, contribute to, and actively support the mission and objectives of the professional body (ICGN).
- Fellows of ICGN safeguard, promote, and protect the integrity of the professional body (the ICGN) and the profession of Geography.
- On recommendation by the Institute management.
- On approval for fellowship awards by the Board of Regents.
- D. or Professor of tertiary institutions in Nigeria or overseas.
Benefits:
- Fellowship certificate and membership identity card.
- Use of the protected letters.
- Continuing professional development and life-long learning.
- Membership of the permanent forum on Geographic matters.
- Discounted admission to international programs and co-sponsored events.
- Up to 30% on all ICGN specialized programs.
- Letter of recommendation, based upon the candidate’s diligence and integrity.
- Opportunity to become a member of other international professional institutions.
- Opportunity for election to the Advisory Council.
- Admission into our international affiliated universities to pursue a PhD in academics.
- Assurance of promotion to Executive Office.
- Opportunity to practice as a chartered Economist consultant.
- Opportunity to be involved in policy formulation and implementation.
……… and more
