ICAN inducts 1,993 new members at 77 ceremony

… Joanna Kolawole emerges star prize winner

 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has inducted 1,993 new members at its 77th induction ceremony held on Wednesday in Lagos.

Haruna Yahaya, ICAN 61st president, encouraged the inductees to embrace lifelong learning and continuous professional development and make opportunities look for them.

“You have earned the title of Chartered Accountant; now you must build expertise that makes opportunity look for you. Build technical depth, and digital fluency, ethical courage, commercial judgment, and executive presence.

“I encourage you to embrace lifelong learning and continuous professional development, ensuring that your ICAN certification becomes the beginning of even greater accomplishments,” he said.

He urged the new inductees not merely process transactions, interpret value, prepare reports; shape decisions, and look for opportunities; but to build expertise that attracts opportunities. To achieve this, Yahaya encouraged the new inductees to join at least one of the institute’s eight professional faculties.

“These faculties provide specialised training that will enhance your competence in your chosen area, strengthen your professional relevance, and ensure that you deliver unparalleled strategic and technical value to your employers, clients, and society,” he noted.

He charged the inductees to reflect the exceptional quality of their ICAN training and to maintain the highest standard of professional conduct throughout their career.

“As chartered accountants, you will now have access to delicate and highly sensitive financial information. This privilege carries immense responsibility.

“You must exercise absolute confidentiality, sound judgement, and maturity in handling such information. A single careless disclosure can lead to grave financial, legal, or commercial consequences. Your integrity is the backbone of this profession, and the stability of the organisations you will serve depends on your ability to safeguard trust,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ICAN president announced Joanna Kolawole as the recipient of the star prize for the best qualifying candidate in a diet, endowed by Akintola Williams Deloitte and Touche.

Bello Hassan, former managing director at NDIC in his keynote address, reminded the inductees that ICAN certificate comes with great responsibilities, and urged them justify their merit of the certificates awarded to them.

“ICAN certificate comes with a responsibility to lead an exemplary life, and to be the role model in the profession and the society, as well.

“I humbly request that you uphold the motto of the institute, which is accuracy and integrity,” he said.

Speaking on the topic, “Nigerian Accountants and Digitalisation”, Hassan said in Nigeria, and other developing economies, technological innovation have forced accounting professionals to adopt digital tools in order to remain relevant.

“Digitalisation for accountants refers to using digital tools, cloud systems, automation, and data technologies to improve accounting work, reporting, compliance, and business decision-making.

“It changes how accountants work, interact with clients, and provide value,” he noted.

He called on the new inductees to acquire digital skills because the economic opportunities associated with digitalisation are enormous.

“The Nigerian accountant, especially young accountants like you, can only ignore it at your own peril.  We are seeing an increased demand for tech-savvy accountants within both the public and private sectors. “Global job opportunities through remote work is also gaining momentum. Improved sales delivery and client satisfaction, as well as leveraging on technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to deliver quality services to clients,” he said.

Oye Akinsulire, second deputy vice-president at ICAN, earlier in his address, told the inductees that they need hard work, perseverance, and commitment to greater excellence,  because they are joining a noble profession that is highly respected globally  for the values of integrity, accountability, and competence.

“I encourage you to see this induction not as the end of a journey, but as the beginning of greater opportunities and responsibilities.

“Continue to develop yourselves professionally and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the profession and society at large,” he said.

Queensley Seghosime, ICAN’s vice president, in her vote of thanks, appreciated the newly inducted members, and everyone that made the occasion a success.

“Today marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to integrity, excellence, and service.

“We are confident that you will uphold the values of our profession and make ICAN proud,” she said.