Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has made history by becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant after successfully completing the professional qualification of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Her remarkable achievement has drawn praise from the Federal Government.
In a statement released on Monday, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described her accomplishment as a reflection of hard work, resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The minister congratulated Okundaye on the milestone, noting that her success demonstrates what young Nigerians can achieve through determination and dedication. He said her achievement serves as an inspiration to other youths, encouraging them to remain focused on their goals and strive for excellence.
According to Olawande, Okundaye’s accomplishment showcases the immense potential of Nigeria’s young people and proves that, with the right support and perseverance, they can overcome barriers, set new standards, and inspire others to dream bigger.
The minister also commended her parents, family, teachers, mentors, and everyone who contributed to her academic and professional journey. He acknowledged that their guidance, encouragement, and sacrifices played a significant role in helping her reach the historic milestone.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to implementing policies and creating opportunities that will enable young Nigerians to develop their talents and achieve their full potential.
Olawande expressed confidence that Okundaye’s success reinforces hope in the future of the country, describing Nigeria’s youth as focused, talented, and capable of driving national progress. He also wished her continued success, expressing optimism that her story would motivate millions of young Nigerians to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
Okundaye earned the new national record after successfully completing the rigorous ICAN professional examinations, making her the youngest Nigerian ever to receive the prestigious chartered accounting qualification.
She surpassed the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17 after passing the same professional examinations.
The ICAN chartered accounting qualification is widely regarded as one of the most challenging professional certifications in Nigeria. It is typically obtained by university graduates and experienced professionals after years of intensive study, training, and examinations, making Okundaye’s achievement at just 16 years old particularly exceptional.
