Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has made history after becoming Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant, setting a new national record through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Her achievement has drawn praise from the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described it as a reflection of hard work, discipline, resilience and dedication.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minister congratulated Okundaye for reaching the milestone at such a young age, describing her success as an inspiration for young Nigerians.
"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.
He said Okundaye's accomplishment demonstrates the potential of Nigerian youths to excel when given the right support and opportunities.
According to the minister, her success should encourage other young people to pursue their goals with determination and confidence.
Olawande also acknowledged the contributions of her parents, teachers, mentors and family members, noting that their support played a significant role in her journey.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development's commitment to implementing programmes and policies that empower young Nigerians to realise their full potential.
Okundaye earned the professional qualification after successfully completing ICAN's rigorous examinations, becoming the youngest person in the country's history to do so.
She surpassed the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified as Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17.
The ICAN chartered accountant qualification is regarded as one of Nigeria's most demanding professional certifications, typically requiring years of study and multiple stages of examinations before candidates are admitted as chartered accountants.
