Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria celebrates International Accounting Day 2025 at YABATECH, honouring integrity, innovation, and professionalism
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has joined millions of accounting professionals across the globe to commemorate International Accounting Day 2025, with the South-West regional celebration hosted at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
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The event brought together members of the accounting body, students, and academics to honour the contribution of accountants to transparency, accountability, and good governance in both public and private institutions.
Representing ICAN President Mallam Haruna Yahaya, the immediate past president Chief DCS Alaribe paid tribute to over five million accountants worldwide, describing them as “the unsung heroes behind the financial stability of businesses, governments, and communities.”
Yahaya’s address reflected on the origins of modern accounting, tracing it to Luca Pacioli’s 1494 publication on double-entry bookkeeping, which established the principles that underpin global financial management today.
“Long before the age of artificial intelligence and analytics, the accountant’s pen was already shaping human progress through discipline, accuracy, and integrity,” Yahaya said.
He lauded ICAN’s 67,000-plus members for their professionalism and resilience, noting that their integrity continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
He also commended the International Federation of Accountants, the Pan African Federation of Accountants, and the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa for advancing ethical standards and accountability across the profession.
“When diligence meets discipline, greatness is inevitable,” Yahaya added. “Together, we must continue to build a profession and a nation anchored in accountability, innovation, and trust.”
The Dean of the School of Management and Business Studies at YABATECH, Dr Fadipe Adeniyi Olubunmi, FCA, expressed delight that the college was selected to host this year’s celebration.
He revealed that nearly 80 per cent of lecturers in the Accountancy Department are ICAN fellows, aligning the department’s curriculum with global best practices.
Dr Fadipe also announced that two YABATECH students had recently qualified as ICAN members while still in school, describing it as proof of the college’s academic rigour.
He noted that the department won second place in a regional accounting competition organised by the University of Lagos, earning a ₦150,000 prize as the only polytechnic represented.
Highlighting the school’s international exposure, he mentioned that some students recently completed industrial training in Japan — a testament to YABATECH’s growing global profile.
Rector Dr Adedotun Ibrahim Abdul urged students to believe in their abilities and take charge of their futures. “Don’t leave your fate in anyone’s hands,” he said.
“When you make it, the college will celebrate you. But if you fail and give excuses, they become just stories — and stories are good only when they are packed with success.”
Dr Abdul described students as the next generation of accountants who will form the backbone of successful businesses in Nigeria and beyond. “Wherever there is accountability, accountants are indispensable,” he said. “After every hardship comes ease — never let failure define your life.”
He thanked ICAN for choosing YABATECH as host and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to upholding professional and ethical standards.
“On behalf of the Council, faculty, staff, and students, I promise that YABATECH will not let the accounting world down,” he declared.
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The **Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria** continues to play a central role in building professional capacity, fostering ethics, and promoting good governance in the country’s financial sector.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
