Osasere Okundaye, who made history as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant after qualifying at the age of 16, has shared the story behind her remarkable achievement, revealing that she failed one of her Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) examinations before eventually earning the prestigious professional qualification.
Speaking about her journey, Okundaye said the setback became a defining moment in her pursuit of excellence, teaching her resilience, discipline and the importance of perseverance in the face of disappointment.
According to the teenage accounting prodigy, failing an examination did not diminish her determination to achieve her goal. Instead, she viewed the experience as an opportunity to identify her weaknesses, improve her preparation and return stronger.
“I failed an ICAN examination before I eventually qualified,” she said, encouraging students and young professionals not to allow temporary setbacks to discourage them from pursuing their ambitions.
Okundaye explained that success rarely comes without challenges, stressing that persistence and hard work were instrumental in helping her overcome obstacles on her path to becoming a chartered accountant.
Her achievement attracted national attention after she qualified as an ICAN member at just 16 years old, a feat that earned her recognition as the youngest Nigerian to attain the professional accounting certification.
The accomplishment has since positioned her as an inspiration to many young Nigerians, particularly students aspiring to excel academically and professionally at an early age.
Reflecting on her experience, Okundaye advised young people to embrace failure as part of the learning process rather than seeing it as the end of their aspirations. She noted that resilience, consistency and self-belief remain essential qualities for anyone striving to achieve exceptional goals.
Education experts say her story underscores the importance of determination and continuous learning, pointing out that even high achievers often experience setbacks before reaching major milestones.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria is one of the country’s leading professional accounting bodies, with a rigorous qualification process that requires candidates to pass multiple stages of examinations before being admitted as chartered accountants.
Professionals in the field describe the ICAN examinations as demanding, requiring extensive preparation and a strong understanding of accounting principles, taxation, auditing, financial reporting and business management.
Okundaye’s candid account of her journey has resonated widely on social media, where many users praised her honesty in acknowledging failure alongside success. Supporters said her willingness to discuss the challenges behind her achievement makes her story even more inspiring for young people navigating academic and professional pursuits.
As she continues to inspire a new generation of aspiring professionals, Okundaye’s experience serves as a reminder that setbacks do not define success. Rather, the determination to rise after failure often becomes the foundation for extraordinary accomplishments.
