Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has made history by becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant after successfully qualifying through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The achievement earned her congratulations from the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described the milestone as a reflection of hard work, discipline, resilience and a strong commitment to excellence.
In a statement released on Monday, the minister praised Okundaye for breaking barriers at such a young age, saying her success demonstrates the enormous potential of Nigerian youths when provided with the right support and opportunities.
According to Olawande, her accomplishment should encourage other young Nigerians to pursue excellence and believe that they can achieve extraordinary goals through dedication and determination.
He also acknowledged the contributions of her parents, family members, teachers and mentors, noting that their guidance, sacrifices and encouragement played a vital role in her success.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to creating policies and programmes that empower young Nigerians to maximise their talents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Expressing confidence in the country’s future, Olawande said Okundaye’s achievement reinforces the belief that Nigeria’s next generation is capable of reaching even greater heights. He wished her continued success and expressed hope that her story would inspire millions of young people across the country.
Okundaye’s accomplishment surpasses the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17 after completing the demanding ICAN professional examinations.
The ICAN qualification is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most rigorous professional certifications and is typically earned by university graduates and experienced professionals after years of study and examinations. At just 16, Okundaye has now set a new national benchmark for the prestigious qualification.
