Eighteen-year-old final year student of Accounting at Babcock University, Alabi Oluwatiseyitan, has become one of the youngest Nigerians to qualify for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) certification.

Oluwatiseyitan, who embarked on his ICAN journey from his year one at Babcock University, Ilishan, said his aspiration was to become a chartered accountant before graduation.

The young Oluwaseyitan was recently honoured by ICAN for successfully completing all levels of the professional accounting certification before his university graduation.

Currently in his final year, Oluwaseyitan began his academic journey at the age of 15 and has consistently shown brilliance and determination.

“I enrolled for ICAN in 2022 at the age of 15,” he said in an interview. “I wanted to ensure I got certified before graduation, and starting early gave me the time and space to achieve that.”

He completed the three-stage ICAN examination process, the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS), Skills and Professional Levels by November 2024.
“The journey was fun, hectic, and challenging. I failed a paper during the skills level, and it was discouraging. I felt like giving up, but God and my parents encouraged me to finish what I started.”
Beyond academics, he emphasised the need for improvement in Nigeria’s educational system, calling for better infrastructure and accountability in the management of educational resources, while also highlighting the growing need to embrace technology in teaching and learning.

“Learning today is no longer just pen and paper. Technology plays a crucial role in the education system, and the government should prioritise this,” he stated.

To his peers and younger students, he offered words of wisdom: “Trust in God. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too young to do something great. Once you are focused and determined, the sky is just the beginning.” He also advised parents to give their unwavering support to their children.

On his plans post-graduation, he expressed his desire to gain practical experience and possibly pursue further certification or graduate studies. “I’m not in a hurry to travel. I want to stay back and contribute here for a while, then maybe explore opportunities abroad later,” he said.

His story is not just one of academic success but of resilience, faith, and the power of early vision.

As ICAN continues to celebrate excellence, this young achiever stands as a beacon of hope and an inspiration to youths across Nigeria.