Osasere Okundaye has made history as Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant after qualifying with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, at just 16 years old.

The Federal Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised the teenager’s achievement on Monday, calling it a clear example of hard work, discipline and resilience. 

“I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” Olawande said.

The minister said Okundaye’s feat shows the potential of Nigerian youths when given the right support. He added that her success should motivate others to aim higher.

“Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers, set new records, and inspire a generation to dream bigger and strive for excellence,” he stated.

Olawande also commended her parents, family, teachers and mentors for their role in her journey, noting their sacrifices contributed to the milestone.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to youth empowerment, saying: “Osasere’s achievement reinforces our confidence that the future of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused, determined, and talented young citizens.”

Okundaye’s record overtakes the previous mark set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified as a chartered accountant at 17. The ICAN qualification is considered one of Nigeria’s most rigorous professional certifications and is typically pursued after university.

Source: Punch News, Office of the Minister of Youth Development.