By Ghazali Ibrahim
Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has made history by becoming the youngest person in Nigeria to qualify as a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Her achievement was celebrated on Monday by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described her success as a testament to hard work, discipline and resilience.
According to the minister, Okundaye’s accomplishment demonstrates the immense potential of Nigerian youths and should inspire other young people across the country to pursue their ambitions with determination.
Olawande also acknowledged the role played by her parents, teachers and mentors, noting that their support, sacrifices and belief in her abilities contributed significantly to her success.
He further reiterated the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to creating opportunities that enable young Nigerians to develop their talents and achieve their goals.
Okundaye’s feat surpasses the previous national record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17.
The ICAN qualification is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous professional certifications in the country, often requiring years of dedicated study and preparation, making Okundaye’s accomplishment at just 16 years old particularly remarkable.
