FEATURES
Nigeria’s Youngest Chartered Accountant, 16-Year-Old Osasere Okundaye, Shares Inspiring Journey to ICAN Success
Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, Osasere Okundaye, has shared the inspiring story of how she began her journey with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at just 13 years old after completing her secondary education ahead of schedule.
Okundaye, now 16, spoke on Saturday during the Power Must Change Hands monthly programme at the headquarters of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Magboro, Ogun State.
Her remarks came days after the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced her as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant in a statement released on Monday, describing her achievement as “a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Recounting her journey, Okundaye said her parents encouraged her to pursue ICAN’s Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS) examinations instead of waiting until she was old enough to gain admission into a university.
“I am 16 years old. I started this ICAN journey three years ago after finishing my secondary school early,” she said.
“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 revealed that the journey was particularly demanding because she had no background in accounting during her secondary school education.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The teenager also spoke candidly about a major setback she encountered after failing one of her final professional examination papers last year.
“Last year, I failed one of my final papers, which I had to rewrite earlier this year in May,” she recalled.
“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 has drawn widespread commendation and further highlights the growing number of young Nigerians excelling in professional examinations. Her accomplishment comes a year after Temilola Blossom Arise, who qualified as a chartered accountant at the age of 18 while studying at the University of Ilorin.
Vanguard report that her story has been widely celebrated as an example of perseverance, academic excellence and the impact of early mentorship and family support in nurturing exceptional talent.
BREAKING: Spain Break Argentine Hearts to Claim World Cup Crown
Ogun 2027: Yayi Accuses Opposition of Pursuing Personal Interests
Bel Dialogue Picks Lawrence Okpewho to Moderate 2026 Democracy Forum
Anambra Police Nab 4 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearm, Ammunition in Anti-Crime Operations
Peter Obi Marks 65th Birthday with ₦10m Hospital Donation
Omo-Agege Hails Peter Obi at 65, Backs NDC Leader’s 2027 Presidential Bid
NDLEA Raid Transnational Drug Ring, Seizes 1.63 Million Tramadol Pills Hidden in Trucks
BREAKING: Badejo-Okusanya Emerged as First Elected Female President of NBA
Okowa, Wife, Guwor, Ibegbelum, Others in Attendance as Okowa-Daramola Marks Three Years in Office
BREAKING: One Dead, Over 20 Homes Destroyed as Flood Devastates Edo Communities
Timi Dakolo Denies £4,106 UK Tour Debt, Threatens Legal Action Over Defamation Claims
DSS to Appeal Jail Terms for Three Convicted Arms Couriers, Seeks Harsher Punishment
Uzodimma Declares Imo ‘One-Party State,’ Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid
Ondo Father Arrested Over Alleged Hot Iron Assault on 10-Year-Old Daughter
