16-Year-Old Okundaye Emerges As Nigeria’s Youngest Chartered Accountant

Juliet Oladele, Reporting 

OSASERE Okundaye, a 16-year-old Nigerian student, has etched her name in the record books as the country’s youngest ever chartered accountant.

The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, extended his congratulations to Okundaye on her remarkable achievement in a statement released on Monday.

Mr Olawande applauded the young prodigy for her “hard work, discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence,” describing her academic excellence as a beacon of the “limitless potential of Nigerian youths.”

“I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age,” the minister’s statement read.

“This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

He added: “Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers, set new records, and inspire a generation to dream bigger and strive for excellence.”

The minister also acknowledged the crucial role of the student’s parents, family, teachers, and mentors in her journey, praising their support, sacrifices, and belief in her abilities.

“As the Federal Ministry of Youth Development continues to champion policies and programmes that empower young people to realise their full potential, Osasere’s achievement reinforces our confidence that the future of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused, determined, and talented young citizens,” he said.

Okundaye’s historic feat comes just one year after Temilola Blossom Arise, then 18, successfully passed her professional stage examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the University of Ilorin, becoming a chartered accountant.

The latest achievement underscores the growing prominence of Nigerian youths in professional examinations and serves as an inspiration to aspiring accountants across the nation.