Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has made history by becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, setting a new national record after successfully completing the rigorous professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The Ondo State-born prodigy broke the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale Ojo, who qualified as a chartered accountant at the age of 17. Osasere’s remarkable achievement has drawn widespread praise from educators, professionals and government officials, who describe her success as an inspiration to young Nigerians.
Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, congratulated the teenager, describing her accomplishment as proof that hard work, discipline and resilience can help young people break barriers regardless of age.
He also praised her parents, teachers and mentors for supporting her journey, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to creating opportunities for talented Nigerian youths to thrive.
Although Osasere has successfully earned the prestigious ICAN qualification, she is still expected to complete the institute’s mandatory 36 months of supervised professional experience before she is formally inducted as a full chartered accountant. Despite that requirement, passing the examinations at just 16 years old is being celebrated as an extraordinary academic milestone.
Osasere is also preparing to begin the next phase of her academic journey at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she is expected to continue her studies while building her professional career.
