A 16 year old Nigerian girl has broken a national record by qualifying as a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, surpassing the previous record held by Jonathan Adewale, who achieved the same feat at 17 in 2022.

Osasere Okundaye's achievement has drawn congratulations from the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described the milestone in a statement on Monday as a remarkable demonstration of hard work, discipline, resilience and commitment to excellence.

"I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria's youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence," the minister stated.

Olawande noted that Okundaye had set a standard that should inspire young Nigerians across the country. "Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers, set new records, and inspire a generation to dream bigger and strive for excellence," he added.

The minister also extended congratulations to her parents, family, teachers and mentors. "Their encouragement, sacrifices, and belief in her abilities have undoubtedly contributed to this exceptional success," he said.

The ICAN qualification, widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most demanding professional certifications, is typically obtained by graduates and professionals after years of study and examinations, making Okundaye's achievement at 16 particularly significant.

Olawande reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development's commitment to empowering young Nigerians through programmes and policies designed to help them realise their potential, expressing confidence that Okundaye's story would inspire millions. "Osasere's achievement reinforces our confidence that the future of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused, determined, and talented young citizens," he said.