I failed ICAN before qualifying at 16, says Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant
Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant, Miss Osasere Okundaye, has revealed that she failed one of her final examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) before eventually qualifying at the age of 16, describing the setback as a turning point that strengthened her resolve to succeed.
Speaking during a visit to the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, the teenage accountant recounted her three-year journey, saying she enrolled in ICAN's Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS) shortly after completing secondary school on the advice of her parents instead of waiting to secure university admission.
According to her, beginning the programme without a background in accounting made the early stages particularly demanding.
"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."
She explained that the lack of prior accounting knowledge meant she had to work harder than many of her colleagues.
"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."
Okundaye disclosed that her greatest challenge came when she failed one of her final professional papers last year, but refused to allow the disappointment define her.
"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."
The Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS) is ICAN's entry-level professional programme designed to prepare candidates for the chartered accountancy qualification.
Reacting to the achievement, Dr. Daniel Olukoya described the feat as a testimony to God's faithfulness and the rewards of diligence, discipline and resilience.
"Today, we celebrate with one of our own, Osasere Okundaye, as she shares the inspiring testimony of becoming Nigeria's youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years old."
He added:
"This extraordinary achievement stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and what can be accomplished through diligence, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence."
The cleric further noted that Okundaye's accomplishment demonstrates that age should never be seen as a barrier to success.
"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."
The achievement also attracted commendation from the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who described Okundaye as a shining example of the immense potential of Nigerian youths.
Okundaye became Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant after successfully completing the rigorous ICAN professional examinations, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified at the age of 17.
Source: Punch
Tags: #Education #ICAN #Inspiration
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