Nationwide — Osasere Okundaye, a 16-year-old girl from Nigeria, has set a new national record after becoming the youngest chartered accountant in the country. She achieved the milestone by passing the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) exams, drawing praise from government officials.
Okundaye earned the certification through ICAN, a professional body known for strict exams and high standards. According to Punch, her success places her among Nigeria’s top young achievers in the accounting field and marks a new benchmark for age records in the profession.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, congratulated her in a public statement. He credited her achievement to discipline, resilience, and consistent focus on academic excellence at a young age.
He also said her story reflects the broader potential of Nigerian youth. According to him, her accomplishment shows that with determination and the right support system, young people can overcome barriers and reach major professional goals earlier than expected.
ICAN certification is considered one of the most demanding professional qualifications in Nigeria. Candidates must complete multiple exam stages covering accounting, finance, and ethics before earning chartered status.
Okundaye now holds the record previously set by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant in 2022 at age 17. Before him, Temilola Blossom Arise made headlines at 18 after completing the ICAN professional stage examinations.