Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, Osasere Okundaye, has called for greater guidance, resources and government support for young Nigerians, saying many ambitious youths have the potential to excel if they receive the right opportunities.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, the 16-year-old, who recently became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant after qualifying through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), said the country has many hardworking young people whose talents need to be nurtured.
Reflecting on her educational journey, Okundaye said awareness and mentorship played a key role in helping her pursue the ATSWA pathway into ICAN after completing secondary school at the age of 13.
She said: “I feel like there’s not enough guidance, there’s not enough resources that is given to young Nigerians. I believe that they are really willing to do great things because there are so many ambitious people in this country, so many ambitious young people. They have big dreams. But to achieve those dreams, to move towards those goals, to accomplish those things, they need guidance, they need resources, and also help from the government.”
According to her, many young Nigerians are unaware of opportunities available to them, adding that greater access to information could help more students achieve similar success.
“I think there was a lot of discourse about how I was able to do it. And I think that a lot of people didn’t have awareness about the ATSWA pathway and how you could like start pursuing your ICAN certificate right after writing your O’Levels,” she said.
Speaking on her definition of success, Okundaye said achievements should not come at the expense of personal wellbeing, family and social relationships.
“I believe that success has to do with finding a balance between things. You have to balance your social life, your family, your friends, doing things you love with your academics, your career. It has to do with striking a balance,” she said.
She added: “When I can reach a point where I can balance everything and have time for my family, have time to interact with my friends and still be able to accomplish all that I want to do.”
Okundaye also rejected the notion that Nigerian youths are unwilling to work, insisting that many are determined to succeed despite limited opportunities.
“I know that there is this notion nowadays that young people are lazy, that they don’t want to work. And I do not believe that in the slightest,” she said.
She called for more investment in education and student development instead of lowering academic standards.
“I don’t think bringing a standard down is the solution. I think increasing the resources given to people to reach that standard is the solution instead,” she said.
On the proposal to make 18 the minimum age for university admission, Okundaye argued that exceptions should be allowed for exceptional students.
“I do not think that you should be starting from that level. There should be exceptions. Wise exceptions. Maybe with some guidance. There should be exceptions,” she said.
The teenager, who is studying Data Science while working as an audit intern, said she hopes to build a career in financial analysis, consulting and data analytics. She also encouraged young people to remain consistent and disciplined in pursuing their goals.
“Consistency, hard work, and dedication is what matters,” she said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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