Osasere Okundaye has reached a historic milestone at age 16, officially becoming the youngest individual in Nigeria to receive a chartered accountancy certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, praised the achievement this Monday. He highlighted her success as a clear indicator of the value of persistence, self-discipline, and hard work. According to the minister, Okundaye serves as a powerful illustration of the capabilities possessed by young Nigerians and should inspire her peers to pursue ambitious goals.
Olawande also acknowledged the significant support system surrounding the teenager, noting that the dedication of her teachers, mentors, and parents played a vital role in this outcome. He took the opportunity to restate the government’s pledge to develop infrastructure that nurtures the skills and ambitions of the nation’s youth.
This accomplishment surpasses the previous record established in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who earned the same designation at age 17. Obtaining the ICAN certification is widely recognized as a grueling academic endeavor that often requires years of advanced study, underscoring the exceptional nature of Okundaye’s early success.