Nigeria Celebrates Youngest Chartered Accountant at 16
Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant, Osasere Okundae, recently shared her inspiring journey to overcoming challenges that led her to qualify at the remarkable age of 16. During a visit to Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Ministry of Fire and Miracles, Ms. Okundae disclosed that she initially faced the setback of failing one of her final exams with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Early Beginnings Fueled by Parental Support
Okundae embarked on her accounting journey soon after completing secondary school, prompted by her parents’ encouragement. “I started this ICAN journey three years ago after graduating from junior high school early. My parents encouraged me to begin taking the ICAN exam through the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) instead of waiting to enter university,” she explained.
Initial Challenges in a New Discipline
Despite her determination, the early stages of the program proved particularly challenging due to her lack of formal accounting education. “Since I was not an accountancy student in secondary school, I found that the exams, especially the first level, were considerably more challenging for me compared to my peers. I had to invest significant effort to succeed, but with perseverance, I passed the first level,” she recalled. Her subsequent successes further fueled her ambition.
ICAN’s Entry-Level Training Program
The Accounting Technician program, offered by ICAN, serves as the first step toward achieving Chartered Accountant status. Reflecting on her journey, Okundae emphasized that setbacks would not deter her aspirations. “Last year, I unfortunately failed one of my final papers and had to retake it in May this year. Thanks to my hard work, I passed, and now I can proudly say that I am a chartered accountant at just 16,” she stated.
Community Recognition and Encouragement
Dr. Olukoya praised Okundae’s remarkable achievement via a post on X, describing her feat as a testament to divine faithfulness and rigorous discipline. “Today, we celebrate one of our own, Osasere Okundae, and share her inspiring testimony of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant,” he wrote, emphasizing the importance of resilience and commitment in reaching such milestones.
Inspiration Beyond Age Limitations
Dr. Olukoya also asserted that Okundae’s success illustrates that age should never be a barrier to achievement. “Her journey serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, showing that with grace, determination, and a clear vision, age poses no limitations to greatness,” he noted.
Acknowledgment from Government Officials
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also lauded Okundae, calling her a shining example of the potential that exists within Nigeria’s youth. Okundae’s impressive accomplishment not only sets a new record but also surpasses the previous benchmark established in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria’s youngest qualified CPA at 17. This milestone marks a notable moment in the country’s accounting landscape.
