Doubts have emerged over the widely circulated claim that 16-year old Osasere Okundaye has become Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant.
The claim, which gained nationwide attention after it was amplified by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, celebrated the teenager as having attained the prestigious professional qualification at the age of 16. 
In a congratulatory message, Olawande said: “I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age. 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.”
An ICAN official confirmed that her name was indeed in their database. However, the official noted that while the viral reports were attributed to the Minister of Youth Development, it remains unclear where the information originated.
A chartered accountant, who prefers anonymity, told nbgafrica.com that even if a candidate passes all ICAN professional examinations, he or she cannot immediately be described as a chartered accountant.
According to her, successful candidates must complete 36 months of compulsory practical training in an approved audit firm or other qualifying organisation under experienced supervision before they become eligible for induction into ICAN. It id only after induction, she added, that they are they entitled to bear the designation of Chartered Accountant.
To underscore the point, the source cited the case of Jonathan Adewale, who reportedly became the youngest person to pass ICAN’s professional examinations at 17 but is yet to be inducted because he is still a university undergraduate and has not completed the mandatory professional training.
ICAN, nbgafrica.com, also learnt will formally respond to the issue in the coming days. Until then, the claim that Okundaye is Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant remains under official verification by the institute.
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