Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has etched her name in Nigeria’s history books after becoming the country’s youngest chartered accountant, breaking the existing national record by qualifying through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the age of 16.

Her achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who earned the prestigious professional qualification at the age of 17, making Okundaye the youngest person ever to attain the feat in Nigeria.

The milestone has attracted commendation from the Federal Government, with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, describing her accomplishment as a testament to hard work, discipline, resilience and excellence.

“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 said in a statement on Monday.

According to Olawande, the teenager’s success reflects the immense potential of Nigerian youths and should inspire young people across the country to pursue their dreams with determination.

“Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment shows that with determination, dedication and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers and set new records,” he said.

The minister also acknowledged the contributions of her parents, teachers and mentors, noting that their guidance and encouragement played a crucial role in her remarkable success.

He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to policies and programmes that empower young Nigerians to maximise their potential.

“Osasere’s achievement reinforces our belief that the future of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused and talented young citizens,” Olawande added.

The ICAN professional qualification is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most rigorous professional certifications, requiring candidates to pass a series of demanding examinations and demonstrate high standards of competence in accounting and finance.

The Atlantic Bell reports that by attaining the qualification at just 16, Okundaye has not only rewritten the record books but also set a new benchmark for academic and professional excellence among Nigerian youths.