The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) has officially launched the new Accounting Technician Certification (AATC) and unveiled its refreshed strategic identity during its 31st Annual National Conference held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.
ANAN President Unveils New Initiatives
The initiatives were formally presented by the ANAN President, Hajia Zuwairat Talatu Kishimi, with Prof. Suleiman Aruwa providing detailed explanations of the programmes and their impact on the accounting profession. The announcements were made at the conference, which gathered accounting professionals from across Nigeria.
According to ANAN, the refreshed strategic identity is designed to position the association as a recognised authority in professional accountancy, with a strong emphasis on excellence, integrity, and global relevance. The new identity is anchored on a set of core values captured under the acronym PLANTED, which stands for Professionalism, Leadership, Accountability, Nobility, Transparency, Education, and Discipline. These values are intended to strengthen trust and governance across the profession.
AATC Programme Structure and Alignment
Alongside the identity launch, ANAN introduced the AATC, a three-level programme that aligns with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Accounting Technician Competency Framework. The certification provides a structured pathway from foundational knowledge to advanced technician competence, with clear progression into ANAN's professional examinations.
The programme is structured in three progressive stages. The Foundation Level focuses on financial literacy and ethics. The Intermediate Level covers taxation, business law, and information systems. The Advanced Level addresses auditing, public sector accounting, and advanced taxation.
ANAN President and Prof. Aruwa Speak on Impact
Speaking to Legit.ng after the event, Prof. Suleiman Aruwa stated: "ANAN's refreshed strategic identity positions us to produce professional accountants who are ethical, tech-enabled, and globally competitive. Through the AATC Programme and a competency-based curriculum, we are expanding access via an accounting technicians' pathway into the Certified National Accountants qualification, while aligning with international standards. Our goal is simple: to build future-ready professionals who will drive the evolving dynamics of the accounting profession in Nigeria's public and private sectors, and remain globally relevant."
Prof. Aruwa's remarks highlight the association's commitment to modernising accounting education and training in Nigeria, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills needed to meet both local and international demands.
Conference Highlights and Future Outlook
The 31st Annual National Conference served as the platform for these significant announcements, drawing attention to ANAN's strategic direction under its current leadership. The launch of the AATC and the refreshed identity are expected to enhance the association's role in developing the accounting profession in Nigeria.
The new certification pathway is designed to broaden access to the accounting profession, offering a route for technicians to eventually become Certified National Accountants. This aligns with global best practices and the IFAC framework, ensuring that Nigerian accountants remain competitive internationally.
As ANAN moves forward with these initiatives, the association aims to strengthen its position as a leading professional body in Nigeria, with a focus on producing ethical, skilled, and globally relevant accountants. The impact of these changes is expected to be felt across both the public and private sectors, as the profession evolves to meet the demands of a dynamic economy.
