The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has joined millions of accountants worldwide to commemorate International Accounting Day 2025, with the South-West regional celebration held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.
The event brought together ICAN members, students, and academics to celebrate the role of accountants in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance across public and private institutions.
Delivering remarks on behalf of ICAN President Mallam Haruna Yahaya, the immediate past president, Chief DCS Alaribe, paid tribute to over five million accountants globally. He described them as “the unsung heroes behind the financial stability of businesses, governments, and communities.”
Alaribe reflected on the origins of the profession, tracing it back to Luca Pacioli’s 1494 publication on double-entry bookkeeping, which laid the foundation for modern accounting principles.
“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 noted.
He commended ICAN’s 67,000 members for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to excellence, stressing that their integrity continues to uphold confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Yahaya also acknowledged the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), and the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) for advancing global standards in governance and accountability.
“When diligence meets discipline, greatness is inevitable. Together, let us continue to build a profession and a nation anchored in accountability, innovation, and trust,” he added.
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 the regional host for the 2025 celebration.
“It’s one of the most important events for us as accountants, and we are glad ICAN chose YABATECH to host it this year,” Dr Fadipe said.
He revealed that about 80 per cent of lecturers in the Accountancy Department are ICAN Fellows, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with global best practices and digital transformation trends. He also celebrated two students who recently qualified as ICAN members while still in school — a rare feat that underscores the department’s academic strength.
Dr Fadipe further highlighted recent achievements, including the department’s second-place finish at a regional competition organised by the University of Lagos, where YABATECH emerged as the only polytechnic represented, winning a ₦150,000 prize. He also noted that some students recently participated in an industrial training programme in Japan, demonstrating the college’s growing international presence.
“We are proud of our students. They are doing the profession proud, and we will continue to nurture more success stories,” he affirmed.
In his address, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr Adedotun Ibrahim Abdul, encouraged students to take responsibility for their futures and believe in their potential to succeed.
“Please, don’t leave your fate in the hands of anyone, not even your spiritual father or lecturers. When you make it, the college will celebrate you. But if you fail and give excuses, they become just stories — and stories are good only when they are packed with success,” he said.
Dr Abdul described the students as the next generation of accountants who will drive success in businesses across Nigeria and beyond.
“Wherever there is accountability, accountants are indispensable,” he stressed, urging students to persevere despite challenges. “Failure may come once in a while, but do not let it define your life. After every hardship comes ease.”
The Rector expressed appreciation to ICAN for choosing YABATECH as the host of this year’s event and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to professional ethics and excellence.
“On behalf of the Council, faculty, staff, and students, I promise that YABATECH will not let the accounting world down,” Dr Abdul concluded.
