At just 16 years old, Osasere Okundaye has shattered a national record by becoming the youngest chartered accountant in Nigeria after qualifying through the rigorous Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, celebrated the historic achievement, describing her milestone as an exceptional demonstration of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He hailed Okundaye as a shining example of the limitless potential possessed by Nigerian youths, noting that her historic feat should inspire a new generation to dream bigger and passionately pursue academic and professional goals.
The minister also extended deep appreciation to her parents, teachers, and mentors, emphasizing that their sacrifices, guidance, and complete belief in her abilities were central to navigating this demanding journey. He used the platform to reiterate the federal government’s ongoing commitment to building structured opportunities and implementing policies that enable young citizens to grow their unique talents.
Okundaye’s record-breaking qualification officially surpasses the previous milestone set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who made headlines when he became the country’s youngest qualified professional at the age of 17. The ICAN professional certification is widely regarded as one of the most demanding, complex, and elite financial qualifications across West Africa. Because the curriculum typically requires seasoned university graduates and corporate professionals multiple years of intensive study to pass, Okundaye’s ability to clear the professional examinations at age 16 makes her accomplishment truly historic.
