ICAN Celebrates Global Accounting Day at YABATECH, Urges Transparency and Financial Innovation in Nigeria

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has joined millions of accounting professionals across the world to commemorate International Accounting Day 2025, with the South-West regional celebration held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.

The event brought together accountants, students, lecturers, and professionals from various sectors to recognise the impact of accountants in strengthening accountability, transparency, and financial management in Nigeria’s public and private institutions.

Speaking on behalf of ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Yahaya, the immediate past president, Chief DCS Alaribe, honoured over five million accounting professionals globally, describing them as “the unsung heroes driving financial discipline and stability across businesses and governments.”

Alaribe highlighted the rich history of accounting, noting that the discipline dates back to the 1494 publication of Luca Pacioli’s groundbreaking work on double-entry bookkeeping, which laid the foundation for today’s financial systems.

Accountants as Pillars of Economic Growth

Representing the ICAN President, Alaribe praised the institute’s 67,000 members for their continuous contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth through professionalism and integrity. He noted that their ethical standards help sustain public trust in financial reporting, a cornerstone of national development.

He further commended international bodies such as the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), and the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) for promoting global standards of financial accountability.

“When diligence meets discipline, greatness is inevitable,” Yahaya stated. “Together, we must continue building a profession anchored on trust, transparency, and innovation.”

YABATECH Commended for Excellence in Accounting Education

The Dean of the School of Management and Business Studies at YABATECH, Dr. Fadipe Adeniyi Olubunmi (FCA), expressed pride in hosting the 2025 regional celebration. He noted that over 80 percent of lecturers in the Accountancy Department are ICAN fellows, ensuring that YABATECH’s training aligns with global best practices and the digital transformation of the finance sector.

Dr. Fadipe also revealed that two students from the department recently qualified as ICAN members while still in school — a milestone that reflects the academic rigour and professional excellence of YABATECH’s accountancy program.

Highlighting recent achievements, he announced that the college’s Accountancy Department clinched second place in a regional accounting competition organised by the University of Lagos, winning a ₦150,000 cash prize as the only polytechnic represented. He added that some students also participated in an industrial training programme in Japan, a sign of YABATECH’s growing international recognition.

Rector Encourages Students to Take Control of Their Future

Addressing the gathering, YABATECH Rector, Dr. Adedotun Ibrahim Abdul, urged students to take personal responsibility for their success and avoid relying on others to shape their destiny.

“Your future lies in your own hands,” he said. “When you succeed, the college will celebrate you. But if you fail and make excuses, they become stories — and stories are only valuable when filled with success.”

He described the students as the next generation of accountants who will play vital roles in corporate governance, business growth, and national development. “Wherever accountability is required, accountants remain indispensable,” he added.

Dr. Abdul encouraged the students to persevere through challenges, reminding them that “after every hardship comes ease.” He also appreciated ICAN for choosing YABATECH as host of the 2025 celebration and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and academic excellence.

“On behalf of the Council, staff, and students, I assure ICAN and the accounting community that YABATECH will continue to uphold the values of professionalism and integrity,” he said.

Promoting Financial Literacy and Professional Development

The celebration of International Accounting Day 2025 underscored the importance of financial literacy, transparency, and sound management practices in Nigeria’s economy. Speakers at the event encouraged students to embrace technology, data analytics, and ethical leadership as essential skills for the modern accounting landscape.

ICAN continues to play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s financial sector by promoting professional development, mentoring young accountants, and ensuring that the practice of accounting remains a driving force for sustainable growth.