The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has congratulated 16-year-old Osasere Okundaye on becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, describing her achievement as an inspiring milestone for young people across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday and seen by Breezy News, Olawande praised Okundaye’s determination, discipline and resilience, saying her success demonstrated what Nigerian youths could accomplish through hard work and dedication.
“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.
He described the accomplishment as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to excellence, adding that Okundaye had become a role model whose success should encourage other young Nigerians to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
According to the minister, the teenager’s achievement reflects the limitless potential of Nigeria’s youth and highlights the importance of providing young people with the support needed to excel.
Olawande also commended Okundaye’s parents, family, teachers and mentors for their role in her success, noting that their encouragement, sacrifices and belief in her abilities contributed significantly to the milestone.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes aimed at empowering young Nigerians and creating opportunities for them to realise their full potential.
Okundaye earned the distinction after qualifying as a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), becoming the youngest person in the country’s history to attain the professional qualification.
Her achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17 after successfully completing the rigorous ICAN professional examinations.
The chartered accountancy qualification is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most demanding professional certifications, typically requiring years of study and examinations before candidates qualify.
Olawande expressed confidence that Okundaye’s accomplishment would inspire millions of young Nigerians to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence, while wishing her even greater success in the years ahead.
