Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, Osasere Okundaye, has recounted the challenges and determination that shaped her path to earning the prestigious qualification at the age of 16.
Okundaye recently made history after qualifying through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, surpassing the previous record held by Jonathan Adewale, who became a chartered accountant at 17.
Her achievement was announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in a post on X on June 29.
Speaking during a visit to the founder and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Daniel Olukoya, the teenager revealed that she embarked on the ICAN journey shortly after completing secondary school.
“I started this ICAN journey three years ago, after finishing secondary school early. My parents encouraged me to start taking the ICAN examinations through ATS instead of just waiting around until I reached the right age for university.
“I wasn’t an accounting student in secondary school, so the examinations, especially at the first level, proved more difficult for me than for other people at the same level. I had to put in more effort, and with the grace of God, I was able to pass the first level. Ever since then, it has been success after success.”
The Accounting Technicians Scheme serves as ICAN’s entry-level programme, preparing candidates for the professional examinations required for chartered accountancy certification.
Despite her record-breaking accomplishment, Okundaye said the journey was not without setbacks, disclosing that she failed one of her final papers and had to retake it earlier this year.
“Last year, I failed one of my final papers, unfortunately, which I had to rewrite earlier this year in May, and 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”, she added.
Congratulating her on the milestone, Olukoya described the achievement as evidence of perseverance and divine favour.
“This shall be the stepping stone to greater things in your life. May God do
wonders in your life, amen. As you’ve started like this, blessings shall not depart from your life,” he noted.
He added, “Her journey is an inspiration to young people everywhere, proving that with God’s grace, determination, and a clear vision, age is never a barrier to greatness.
“Congratulations, Osasere! We pray that this remarkable milestone will be the beginning of even greater accomplishments and that God will continue to lead you from glory to glory.”
