Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, Osasere Okundaye, has shared the story behind her remarkable achievement. The 16-year-old said she began her journey with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the age of 13 after completing secondary school early.
Okundaye spoke on Saturday during the Power Must Change Hands monthly programme at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries headquarters in Magboro, Ogun State.
Earlier this week, she earned national recognition after becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant.
Parents Encouraged Her to Pursue ICAN Early
According to Okundaye, her parents advised her to begin writing ICAN examinations through the Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS). Instead of waiting for university admission, they encouraged her to start building a professional career.
“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 until I reached the right age for university.”
Her decision allowed her to begin professional training years ahead of many of her peers.
Lack of Accounting Background Made the Journey Tough
Although she entered the programme with determination, the journey was far from easy. Okundaye revealed that she did not study accounting in secondary school.
As a result, she found the first stage of the examinations especially demanding.
“I wasn’t an accounting student in secondary school,” she explained. “The first level was very difficult. However, I worked harder and, by God’s grace, I passed.”
She added that every stage after the first became easier because she remained focused on her goal.
Failure Did Not Stop Her Success
Despite her progress, Okundaye experienced a setback in 2025. She failed one of her final professional papers and had to retake the examination in May 2026.
However, she refused to give up.
“Last year, I failed one of my final papers,” she recalled. “I rewrote it this year in May. Thankfully, I passed and became a qualified accountant at 16.”
Her story highlights the importance of resilience and determination in achieving academic success.
Youth Minister Commends Outstanding Achievement
Following her qualification, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, congratulated the teenager on her accomplishment.
He described her success as proof that discipline, hard work and resilience can produce outstanding results.
“This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” the minister said.
Achievement Inspires Young Nigerians
The emergence of Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant comes a year after Temilola Blossom Arise, an 18-year-old student at the University of Ilorin, passed the professional stage examination of ICAN.
Okundaye’s achievement adds another inspiring chapter to the growing number of young Nigerians excelling in professional examinations.
Moreover, her story demonstrates that age does not limit excellence when determination, preparation and family support come together.
The journey of Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant shows that perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges. By starting her ICAN examinations at 13 and qualifying at 16, Osasere Okundaye has become a source of inspiration for students across Nigeria.
Her achievement also reinforces the value of early career planning, resilience and continuous learning.
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