By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
HISTORY HAS a new name in Nigeria’s accounting profession after 16-year-old Osasere Okundaye qualified as the country’s youngest chartered accountant.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Okundaye earned the professional qualification through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), becoming the youngest person to attain the certification in the country.
Her achievement is reported to have surpassed the previous national record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified at the age of 17.
Also, the milestone drew commendation from the Federal Government, with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, describing the accomplishment as a reflection of hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age,” the minister said.
He added: “This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Olawande said Okundaye had distinguished herself as “a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth,” adding that her accomplishment showed “that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers and set new records.”
He also said her success should inspire other young people to remain focused in pursuing their ambitions, while reaffirming his Ministry’s commitment to supporting young talents through policies and programmes.
Okundaye Began ICAN Journey At 13
DETERMINATION, family support and resilience shaped the journey of Osasere Okundaye’s feat towards becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 16.
She recounted how she began her journey with the ICAN, at 13 after completing her secondary education early.
She shared her story during the monthly Power Must Change Hands programme at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries headquarters in Magboro, Ogun State.
Addressing the congregation, Okundaye said her parents encouraged her to enroll for ICAN’s Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS), examinations instead of waiting until she became eligible for university admission.
“I am 16 years old. I started this ICAN journey three years ago after finishing my secondary school early.
“My parents encouraged me to start writing the ICAN examinations through ATS instead of just waiting around until I got to the right age for university.”
She said the journey proved demanding because she had not studied accounting in secondary school.
“I wasn’t an accounting student in secondary school, so the exams, especially at the first level, proved very difficult, more difficult than they probably were for other people at the same level.
“But I had to put in extra effort, and with the grace of God, I was able to pass that first level. Ever since then, it has been a success.”
Okundaye also recalled a setback after failing one of her final examination papers last year but said she remained focused.
“Last year, I failed one of my final papers, unfortunately, which I had to rewrite earlier this year in May.
“To the glory of God, I passed that examination, and now I can say that I am a qualified accountant of the institute at 16 years old.”
Okundaye’s achievement followed one year after Temilola Blossom Arise, an 18-year-old student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), passed the professional stage examination of ICAN.
—
