The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria on Wednesday welcomed more than 2,000 new members into its fold during an induction ceremony held at the ICAN Centre in Lagos. The event marked another major step in strengthening the country’s pool of financial professionals and promoting high ethical standards in the accounting sector.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the new chartered accountants arrived for the ceremony, dressed in formal suits and gowns, accompanied by family members, mentors and friends. Cameras flashed continuously as proud parents and relatives captured the moment many described as a payoff for years of hard work, sacrifices and determination.
Speaking at the event, ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Mallam Haruna Yahaya, hailed the inductees for their resilience and commitment. He explained that the ceremony brought the institute’s membership to 69,903, a milestone he described as significant for both the institution and the country’s financial sector.
Yahaya urged the new members to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, saying the value of the institute rests on the conduct of its members. According to him, chartered accountants handle sensitive financial information in both private and public organisations, and any lapse in judgment could lead to serious legal or commercial consequences.
“This moment is not just a milestone; it is a testament to your courage, discipline and commitment to greatness,” he said. He encouraged the inductees to embrace lifelong learning and to join one of ICAN’s eight professional faculties, including taxation, audit, corporate finance and public financial management, to improve their competence and stay relevant.
The Special Guest of Honour, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, also congratulated the inductees and praised ICAN for grooming professionals who contribute to national development. He stressed that accountants play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability and strong governance.
Barau advised the new members to maintain integrity, set clear career goals and resist pressures that could compromise their professionalism. He added that accountants should act as whistleblowers when necessary and ensure that their work supports sustainable and transparent governance structures.
The ceremony also recognised excellence as the Star Prize for the best qualifying candidate was awarded to Emmanuel Oluwaseyi. Several other prizes sponsored by firms and individuals were presented to outstanding candidates for their strong academic performance.
One of the major moments of the event was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance, where all inductees stood, raised their right hands and pledged to perform their duties faithfully in line with the ICAN Act and professional conduct rules. The hall erupted in applause as families celebrated their loved ones’ official entry into the profession.
Yahaya took time to appreciate the committees and officials involved in organising the ceremony, including the Chairman of the Professional Examinations Committee, Chief Chibuzor Noel Anyanechi; the 2nd Deputy Vice President and Chairman of the Membership Affairs Committee, Chief Oye Akinsulire, PhD; and the Induction Sub-Committee. He also recognised several dignitaries in attendance, including the Chairman of the Body of Past Presidents, Sir Herbert Agbebiyi, FCA; Vice President, Hajia Queensley Seghosime, mni, FCA; 1st Deputy Vice President, Dr Etofolam Osuji, mni, FCA; Immediate Past President, Chief DCS Alaribe, FCA; Honorary Treasurer, Mr Tajudeen Adewale Olayinka, FCA; and the Registrar/Chief Executive, Lanre Olasunkanmi, PhD, FCA.
Yahaya reminded the inductees that ICAN is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants and belongs to several regional bodies, which connects them to a global network of more than five million accounting professionals. He encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this international network.
Quoting Winston Churchill, Yahaya said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” He urged the new members to carry that message into their careers, maintain ethical standards, pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
The ceremony ended with celebration and congratulations as families and friends took photographs and shared the joy of the inductees’ achievements. The event also highlighted ICAN’s ongoing efforts to promote professionalism, integrity and accountability in Nigeria’s financial sector, positioning the new chartered accountants to play key roles in strengthening transparency and governance across both public and private institutions.
