The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria has joined millions of accountants around the world to commemorate International Accounting Day 2025, with the South-West regional celebration hosted at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
The event brought together ICAN members, students, and academics to celebrate the role of accountants in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in both public and private sectors.
Delivering remarks on behalf of ICAN President Mallam Haruna Yahaya, the immediate past president of the Institute, Chief DCS Alaribe, paid tribute to more than five million accounting professionals globally. He described accountants as “the unsung heroes behind the financial stability of businesses, governments, and communities.”
He reflected on the origins of the profession, citing the 1494 publication of Luca Pacioli’s pioneering work on double-entry bookkeeping, which laid the foundation for modern financial management.
“Long before the age of artificial intelligence and analytics, the accountant’s pen was already shaping the course of human progress through discipline, accuracy, and integrity,” Yahaya said.
He commended ICAN’s more than 67,000 members for their professionalism and commitment to excellence, noting that their integrity continues to maintain confidence in Nigeria’s economy and public institutions. Yahaya also applauded the International Federation of Accountants, the Pan African Federation of Accountants, and the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa for advancing global standards of governance and accountability.
“When diligence meets discipline, greatness is inevitable,” he said. “Together, let us continue to build a profession and a nation anchored in accountability, innovation, and trust.”
The Dean of the School of Management and Business Studies and Council Member of YABATECH, Dr Fadipe Adeniyi Olubunmi, FCA, expressed delight that the college was chosen as host for the 2025 celebration.
“I am very happy and thrilled about the way the event has gone so far. It’s one of the most important events for us as accountants, and we are glad ICAN chose YABATECH to host it this year,” he said.
Dr Fadipe revealed that about 80 per cent of lecturers in the Accountancy Department are ICAN fellows, ensuring that the department’s curriculum aligns with global best practices and the digital transformation shaping the profession. He disclosed that two students, still in school, have recently qualified as ICAN members, a proud achievement for the department and evidence of YABATECH’s academic rigour.
He also commended the leadership of the Rector, Dr Adedotun Ibrahim Abdul, for fostering closer ties between academia and the corporate sector through the establishment of a Linkage Directorate, which bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Highlighting recent achievements, Dr Fadipe announced that YABATECH’s Accountancy Department won second place in a regional competition organised by the University of Lagos, earning a N150,000 prize as the only polytechnic represented among the contestants. He also noted that some students recently participated in an industrial training programme in Japan, a testament to the college’s growing global recognition.
“We are proud of our students. They are doing the profession proud, and we will continue to nurture more success stories,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr Adedotun Ibrahim Abdul, urged students to take charge of their future and believe in their ability to shape their destiny.
“Our dear immediate past president has told us a very beautiful story that your fate lies in your own hands,” he said. “Please, don’t leave your fate in the hands of anyone, not even your spiritual father or your lecturers. When you make it, the college will celebrate you. But if you fail and give excuses, they become just stories. Stories are good only when they are packed with success.”
He described the students as the next generation of accountants who will form the backbone of successful businesses in Nigeria and around the world. “Wherever there is accountability, accountants are indispensable,” he emphasised.
“I urge you to put in all necessary efforts to achieve success. Failure may come once in a while, but do not let it define your life. After every hardship comes ease.”
Dr Abdul also expressed gratitude to ICAN for selecting YABATECH as the host of this year’s celebration and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethics.
“On behalf of the Council, faculty, staff, and students, I promise that YABATECH will not let the accounting world down,” he said.
