Osasere Okundaye made national headlines in June 2026 after becoming Nigeria's youngest-ever chartered accountant at just 16 years old. This Osasere Okundaye biography covers her age, her ICAN journey, and how she broke a record that had stood since 2022.
She qualified through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a certification typically earned by university graduates after years of study. Her achievement surpassed the previous record held by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant in 2022 at age 17.
Osasere Okundaye Biography Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Osasere Okundaye |
| Age | 16 years old (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Known For | Becoming Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant |
| Professional Body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) |
| Field | Accounting / Finance |
| Record Set | June 2026 surpassed the previous record held by Jonathan Adewale (qualified at 17, in 2022) |
Early Life and Education
Okundaye finished secondary school earlier than most of her peers. At 13, on her parents' advice, she began pursuing the ICAN qualification through the Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS) rather than waiting until she was old enough for university.
She has said she wasn't an accounting student in secondary school, so she had to learn the fundamentals from the ground up while preparing for ICAN's demanding exams. The certification covers 15 papers across the foundation, skills, and professional levels, with exams held twice a year in May and November.
Career Breakthrough
Okundaye's path to qualification wasn't without setbacks. She has openly shared that she failed one of the ICAN examinations along the way, describing the experience as a turning point that taught her resilience rather than something that held her back.
She reviewed where she went wrong, adjusted her preparation, and returned to sit the exam again with more confidence. In June 2026, at age 16, she completed the full ICAN qualification process, officially becoming Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant.
Major Achievements
- Became Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant in June 2026, at age 16
- Surpassed the previous record set by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified at 17 in 2022
- Passed all levels of the ICAN qualification foundation, skills, and professional stages, spanning 15 papers
- Completed her secondary education ahead of her peers before starting the ICAN process at 13
- Publicly recognized by Nigeria's Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who congratulated her directly and credited her parents, teachers, and mentors for supporting her journey
- Shared her story publicly at the Power Must Change Hands programme at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Magboro, Ogun State, in July 2026
Family and Background
Okundaye has credited her parents directly for the decision that shaped her path encouraging her to begin the ICAN process through ATS rather than wait for university. Nigeria's Minister of Youth Development also publicly acknowledged the role her parents, teachers, and mentors played in supporting her.
Beyond this, Okundaye has kept her personal and family details largely private, and no further information about her background has been independently confirmed.
Career Outlook
As a newly qualified chartered accountant at 16, Okundaye's professional career is just getting started. She hasn't disclosed specific plans for university, employment, or further certifications, though her early qualification puts her years ahead of the typical pace for the profession.
Given the attention her story has drawn from Nigeria's Ministry of Youth Development and national media, she may see further opportunities scholarships, mentorship programs, or public speaking open up as a result of her achievement.
Online Reaction
Okundaye's achievement drew widespread praise online, with many Nigerians calling for scholarships and further support for her. The Minister of Youth Development publicly congratulated her, describing her as proof of what young Nigerians can accomplish.
Alongside the praise, some social media users expressed skepticism about the timeline of her achievement, questioning how she moved through secondary school and the full ICAN process so quickly. These comments remain unverified speculation rather than reported fact, and haven't been substantiated by any official body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Osasere Okundaye?
Osasere Okundaye is 16 years old
What is Osasere Okundaye known for?
Nigeria's youngest chartered accountant
What is Osasere Okundaye's state of origin or hometown?
This hasn't been publicly disclosed.
When did Osasere Okundaye start her ICAN journey?
She began at age 13, after finishing secondary school.
Did Osasere Okundaye pass all her ICAN exams on the first try?
No. She has said she failed one of her final papers in 2025 and rewrote it in May 2026, passing and completing her qualification shortly after.
Who is Jonathan Adewale, and how does he relate to her record?
Jonathan Adewale was Nigeria's previous youngest chartered accountant, qualifying in 2022 at age 17. Okundaye's 2026 qualification at 16 broke his record.