Osasere Okundaye, at 16 years old, has become Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified at age 17. Her achievement was celebrated by Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), and Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development.
Early Start and Perseverance
Encouraged by her parents, Okundaye began her ICAN journey at age 13 through the Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS) after finishing secondary school early. Despite lacking a background in accounting and having failed her final paper last year, she persevered and passed her rewrite in May.
Sharing her testimony before the congregation at MFM headquarters in Magboro, Ogun State, she said: "I am 16 years old. I started this ICAN journey three years ago after finishing my secondary school early. 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."
Challenges Overcome
She added: "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."
Reflecting on her setback, she recalled: "Last year, I failed one of my final papers, unfortunately, which I had to rewrite earlier this year in May. 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."
Public Recognition
Daniel Olukoya, founder and general overseer of MFM, celebrated Okundaye, stating: "Today, we celebrate with one of our own, Osasere Okundaye, as she shares the inspiring testimony of becoming Nigeria's youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years old." He noted that her achievement reflected "God's faithfulness" as well as diligence, discipline, and commitment to excellence, and prayed that the milestone would mark the beginning of greater accomplishments.
Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, also congratulated Okundaye, saying: "This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence."
Okundaye's record surpasses that of Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant in 2022 at age 17.
