Youngest chartered accountant in Nigeria, Osasere Okundaye, has revealed that she began pursuing her professional accounting qualification at just 13 years old after completing secondary school early, a decision that ultimately led to her becoming an ICAN-certified accountant at the age of 16. Okundaye shared her story on Saturday during the Power Must Change Hands monthly programme at the headquarters of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Magboro, Ogun State.
Her achievement was officially recognised last Monday when the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced her as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant. Describing the accomplishment, the minister said:
“This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Speaking to the congregation, Okundaye explained that her parents encouraged her to begin the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS) instead of waiting to become eligible for university admission.
“I am 16 years old. I started this ICAN journey three years ago after finishing my secondary school early,” she said.
“My parents encouraged me to start writing the ICAN examinations through ATS instead of just waiting around until I got to the right age for university.”
Okundaye disclosed that the journey was far from easy because she had not studied accounting during her secondary school education. According to her, the first stage of the professional examinations proved especially demanding.
“I wasn’t an accounting student in secondary school, so the exams, especially at the first level proved very difficult, more difficult than they probably were for other people at the same level.
“But I had to put in extra effort, and with the grace of God, I was able to pass that first level. Ever since then, it has been a success.” Her experience highlights the determination that has defined the rise of Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant despite entering the profession without a formal accounting background.
Okundaye also spoke about experiencing disappointment after failing one of her final professional papers last year. Rather than abandoning her goal, she rewrote the examination in May 2026.
“Last year, I failed one of my final papers, unfortunately, which I had to rewrite earlier this year in May,” she recalled.
“To the glory of God, I passed that examination, and now I can say that I am a qualified accountant of the institute at 16 years old.”
Okundaye’s accomplishment comes one year after Temilola Blossom Arise, then an 18-year-old student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), successfully completed the professional stage examination of ICAN. Her achievement adds another milestone to the growing number of young Nigerians making significant progress in professional education and demonstrates that age need not be a barrier to academic and career excellence.
