16-Year-Old Osasere Okundaye Becomes Nigeria’s Youngest Chartered Accountant After Passing ICAN Exams

16-Year-Old Osasere Okundaye Becomes Nigeria’s Youngest Chartered Accountant

Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has etched her name into Nigeria’s history books after emerging as the country’s youngest person to qualify as a chartered accountant, a milestone that has attracted widespread admiration across the nation.

PulseNets learnt that the teenage prodigy attained the remarkable feat after successfully passing the professional examinations conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), one of the country’s most demanding professional certification bodies.

With the achievement, Okundaye has broken the previous national record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who was reported to have qualified as a chartered accountant at the age of 17.

Her accomplishment at just 16 years old has been widely described as a reflection of exceptional academic excellence, discipline, and unwavering commitment to professional development.

The ICAN qualification is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most rigorous professional certifications, often requiring several years of preparation. It is commonly pursued by university graduates and experienced professionals, making Okundaye’s success at such a young age even more extraordinary.

PulseNets obtained a statement issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, in which the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, congratulated the teenager for her exceptional accomplishment.

“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.

Olawande described the accomplishment as “a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.” He further praised Okundaye as “a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth,” adding that her success should encourage other young Nigerians to dream bigger and pursue excellence through determination and the right support.

The minister also commended her parents, family, teachers, and mentors for their sacrifices, guidance, and support throughout her academic journey. He reiterated the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to implementing programmes and policies aimed at empowering young Nigerians.

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

The development has generated widespread reactions on social media, where many Nigerians have celebrated Okundaye’s accomplishment as evidence that age is not a limitation to excellence.

PulseNets reports that the story has received significant attention from national media organisations and online platforms, with many describing the teenager as an inspiration to young people across the country.

Observers have also noted that although passing the ICAN professional examinations represents a major professional milestone, full membership of the institute generally requires the completion of additional practical experience, typically lasting about three years. Nonetheless, her examination success has been recognised as a landmark achievement and a new national record.

Okundaye’s success continues to inspire many Nigerians, highlighting the immense talent and potential that exist among the country’s youth.

At a time when many young Nigerians face economic and educational challenges, her achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through determination, discipline, and academic excellence.

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Her historic accomplishment is expected to inspire more young people to pursue professional qualifications, challenge existing limits, and strive for excellence in their chosen careers.

Congratulations continue to pour in for Miss Osasere Okundaye as Nigerians look forward to her future contributions to the accounting profession and the nation’s development.