IMC-Nigeria Confers Fellowship on Godwin Uke

By Ugo Aliogo

Godwin Uchechukwu Uke has been conferred with the Fellowship of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC-Nigeria), one of the highest professional honours in the country’s consulting community.

The recognition is in acknowledgment of his outstanding academic and professional standing and his demonstrated commitment to creating, maintaining, extending, and promoting the highest global standards of management consulting practice, ethics, competence, and client service.

The award places Uke among an elite group of professionals who have distinguished themselves through sustained excellence in management consulting and contributions to the development of ethical and effective business practices. The Institute of Management Consultants described the conferment as a recognition of individuals who have consistently demonstrated integrity, leadership, and exceptional performance in their professional fields.

The Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria, is the body recognised by the Federal Government to regulate and advance the practice of management consulting in the country. Established in 1983, IMC-Nigeria serves as the Nigerian chapter of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI), the global body representing national consulting institutes in over fifty countries. Its core mandate is to promote the highest global standards of consulting practice, emphasising competence, professionalism, and adherence to ethical codes.

The Fellowship of the Institute, designated by the post-nominal FIMC, represents the highest grade of membership within the organisation. It is reserved for individuals who have reached the peak of their careers and whose records of service reflect consistent excellence, professional innovation, and contributions to knowledge and the consulting industry. Fellowship is not applied for in the conventional sense; it is conferred through nomination, review, and approval by the Institute’s governing council after a rigorous vetting process.

To attain the rank of Fellow, a candidate must first have been a full member of the Institute and must have attained a distinguished level of professional practice, usually with not less than seven years of active consulting experience. Beyond the years of experience, candidates must show evidence of meaningful impact in their field — including mentorship, publications, corporate leadership, and participation in policy development or professional training that advances the practice of management consulting.

The selection process is structured to ensure that only the most deserving individuals are admitted into the Fellowship class. According to the Institute’s constitution and bylaws, a potential Fellow is usually nominated by two existing Fellows of the Institute. The nomination is then reviewed by the Membership Committee, a standing body composed of senior Fellows who evaluate the candidate’s credentials, body of work, ethical conduct, and professional contributions. The committee conducts peer reviews and checks to verify achievements and ensure alignment with the Institute’s standards and values. Final approval of the conferment rests with the Board of Directors of the Institute.

The process emphasizes merit and ethical integrity. The Institute’s internal guidelines specify that the Fellowship grade should be limited to a small proportion of the total membership, usually not more than ten percent, to preserve the exclusivity and value of the honour. This ensures that the Fellowship remains a symbol of distinction reserved only for those who have attained significant professional stature and demonstrated a consistent record of excellence and service.

The IMC Fellowship has over the years been conferred on a select group of professionals across sectors — from academics to business leaders, management experts, and development practitioners — who have shown exceptional leadership and commitment to the ideals of the consulting profession. Recipients of the Fellowship are often considered ambassadors of the consulting profession, expected to uphold the integrity of the practice and contribute to its growth by mentoring younger consultants and participating in national and international initiatives that promote professional development.

As a Fellow, Uke joins this distinguished circle of practitioners who act as thought leaders and role models within and beyond Nigeria. The Institute describes Fellows as the custodians of consulting ethics and best practices, charged with representing the organization in policy discussions, national development conversations, and international professional engagements. Fellows also play advisory roles within the Institute, contributing to strategic planning, policy formulation, and membership development programmes.

Over the years, IMC-Nigeria has emphasized the need for continuous professional development and strict adherence to ethical practices among consultants. It operates certification programmes and training workshops aimed at improving competence and ensuring that Nigerian consultants are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy. The award of Fellowship serves as both recognition and responsibility, reminding recipients of the duty to uphold and promote these standards in their various spheres of influence.

The Institute’s criteria for Fellowship are aligned with international standards as defined by the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes. This global alignment ensures that IMC-Nigeria Fellows are recognized not only within the country but also across the global consulting community. The Fellowship therefore opens opportunities for collaboration, representation, and participation in cross-border professional initiatives that advance the practice of consulting worldwide.

The recognition, according to the Institute, is not given lightly but follows strict verification and endorsement processes to maintain the credibility and prestige of the title.

The IMC Fellowship is widely regarded as a mark of professional distinction in Nigeria’s corporate and academic circles. It signifies peer recognition and professional trust, affirming that the recipient has met and surpassed the rigorous standards set by the profession’s highest governing body. Those who attain the rank are expected to continue exemplifying excellence, promoting ethical consulting, and contributing to national development through advisory and leadership roles.