16-Year-Old Osasere Okundaye Makes History as Nigeria’s Youngest Chartered Accountant
A 16-year-old Nigerian, Osasere Okundaye, has made history by becoming the youngest person in the country to qualify as a chartered accountant after successfully completing the professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).The remarkable achievement has earned nationwide recognition, with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, describing it as a testament to hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He said Okundaye’s success demonstrates the enormous potential of Nigerian youths when given the right support and opportunities.
According to the minister, the teenager’s accomplishment should inspire young Nigerians to pursue excellence regardless of their age or background. He noted that her determination and dedication have set a new benchmark for academic and professional achievement in the country.
Okundaye earned the prestigious ICAN qualification after passing the rigorous professional examinations, becoming the youngest Nigerian to attain the certification. The feat surpasses the previous national record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who became a chartered accountant at the age of 17.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria is widely regarded as one of the country’s most demanding professional bodies, with candidates required to pass several challenging examinations covering accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting and business management before qualifying as chartered accountants.
The Minister also commended Okundaye’s parents, teachers and mentors for their unwavering support throughout her journey, noting that their encouragement and guidance played a significant role in her success. He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that empower young Nigerians to realise their full potential.
Education stakeholders have described the achievement as an inspiration to students across Nigeria, saying it demonstrates that age is not a barrier to academic and professional excellence. Many believe her success will encourage more young people to pursue professional qualifications early and strive for excellence in their chosen careers.Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from across the country, with many Nigerians celebrating the teenager’s record-breaking accomplishment and describing her as a shining example of the talent, determination and brilliance of the nation’s youth. Her story is expected to inspire a new generation of students to dream bigger, work harder and pursue excellence in every field of endeavour.
