ICAN Marks Global Accounting Day 2025 with Inspiring Celebration at Yaba College of Technology

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) joined millions of accountants across the globe 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 honor the vital role accountants play in promoting accountability, transparency, and sound financial governance across public and private institutions.

Representing ICAN President Mallam Haruna Yahaya, the Institute’s immediate past president, Chief DCS Alaribe, lauded the contributions of more than five million accountants worldwide, describing them as “unsung heroes behind the financial stability of businesses, governments, and communities.”

He reflected on the origins of modern accounting, tracing it back to Luca Pacioli’s 1494 publication on double entry bookkeeping a cornerstone of today’s financial systems.

“Long before the era of artificial intelligence and analytics, the accountant’s pen was already shaping human progress through discipline, accuracy, and integrity,” Yahaya noted.

He praised ICAN’s 67,000 members for their professionalism and commitment to excellence, emphasizing that their integrity continues to strengthen trust in Nigeria’s economy. Yahaya also commended the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), and Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) for promoting global standards of governance and accountability.

“When diligence meets discipline, greatness is inevitable,” he added. Together, let us continue to build a profession and a nation anchored in accountability, innovation, and trust.”

Representing YABATECH, the Dean of the School of Management and Business Studies and Council Member, Dr. Fadipe Adeniyi Olubunmi, FCA, expressed pride that the college hosted the 2025 celebration.

This is one of the most significant events for us as accountants, and we’re delighted ICAN chose YABATECH,” he said.

Dr. Fadipe highlighted the institution’s strong alignment with ICAN’s standards, noting that over 80% of lecturers in the Accountancy Department are ICAN fellows. He also revealed that two students have already qualified as ICAN members while still in school a testament to YABATECH’s academic rigor.

He celebrated recent milestones, including the department’s second-place finish at a regional competition organized by the University of Lagos, where YABATECH was the only polytechnic represented, winning a ₦150,000 prize. He also mentioned that some students recently completed industrial training in Japan, underscoring the college’s growing global recognition.

Our students are doing the profession proud, and we will continue to nurture more success stories, he affirmed.

Addressing the gathering, YABATECH Rector, Dr. Adedotun Ibrahim Abdul, urged students to take ownership of their future and believe in their potential.

“Your fate lies in your own hands,” he said. “When you succeed, the college will celebrate you. But if you fail and make excuses, they remain just stories and stories are only worth telling when they end in success.”

Describing the students as the next generation of accountants who will power successful businesses in Nigeria and beyond, Dr. Abdul emphasized the indispensable role of accountants wherever accountability exists.

“Failure may come once in a while, but do not let it define your life. After every hardship comes ease,” he encouraged.

The Rector also thanked ICAN for hosting the regional celebration at YABATECH, assuring that the college remains steadfast in upholding excellence and ethics.

On behalf of the Council, faculty, staff, and students, I assure ICAN that YABATECH will not let the accounting world down, he concluded.