ICAN inducts 67 fresh forensic accounting experts

Determined to produce world class accounting professionals in Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) has inducted 67 graduates of Forensic Accounting Certification Programme, trained in line with the international best practices to become forensic accounting experts.

Speaking at the induction ceremony held recently in Lagos, Kabir Alkali Mohammed, the 49th president of ICAN, described the training of the graduates as timely due to the rising spate of fraud and sharp practices in the public and private sectors.

According to him, the need for forensic experts in both the public and private sectors have become essential owing to the fact that the traditional audit skills are not sufficient to detect modern day fraud.

“Forensic accounting is the chief mechanism for global war against corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing. Therefore, the efforts of the institute is not only timely but also reaffirms its commitment to war against corruption, fraudulent and other social vices that impedes the nation’s smooth match to development,” the ICAN boss noted.

While congratulating the 67 inducted candidates, the president who said that the inductees were conferred with prestigious Certified Forensic Accountants of Nigeria (CFAN), added that the new candidates brings the number of CFAs trained in the institute to 365, and that they are adding value to the economy in different ways.

He urged them to impact the process of value creation on their employers and clients. He further charged them to continue to act in both the interest of the public and to discharge their duties according to the universal standards.

“Also, develop the habit of watching crime related firms and attending crime as well as fraud related court sessions to further expose you to the emerging techniques on fraud prevention and detection strategies. I urged you to also educate yourselves, learn about scam, teach people about fraud and cultivate the culture of learning,” he advised.

Earlier in his welcome address, Bolaji Medessou, chairman, Board of Audit Investigations and Forensic Accounting Faculty of ICAN, who noted that there is need for training of more chartered accountants to specialise in handling forensic accounting for the purpose of realising accountability in both public and private firms, urged the inductees to always uphold good ethical conducts by discharging their duties without compromise.

The highlight of the event was oath of allegiance taken by all the inductees.

KELECHI EWUZIE