Oluwatiseyitan Alabi, a remarkable 18-year-old final-year student of Accounting at Babcock University, recently shared the inspiring story of how he became a certified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at just 17. Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Alabi opened up about the passion, discipline, and perseverance that drove him to achieve a milestone many only dream of in adulthood.
Alabi revealed he clocked 18 in December and has always had a deep interest in Accounting and Finance. Recounting his academic journey, he said his passion for Accounting began in junior secondary school during Business Studies classes. Encouraged by his parents, he decided to pursue Accounting instead of venturing into science like many of his peers. “I wasn’t that bad at it; in fact, I was great. So my parents suggested I go for Accounting, and I followed through,” he said.
He began his journey to becoming a chartered accountant through the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) after secondary school. Upon gaining admission to Babcock University in 2022, he discovered a well-organized ATS class and joined immediately. By God’s grace, he passed ATS 1, 2, and 3, and subsequently wrote the skills level of the ICAN exam in November 2023.
Though he failed one paper during the skills level, he didn’t give up. “I was discouraged. I had never failed before, so it was tough. But my parents stood by me. They encouraged me not to stop halfway,” he recalled. By May 2024, he successfully passed the paper and advanced to the professional level, which he also passed, earning his ICAN certification.
Alabi explained how he balanced schoolwork and professional studies. “Many ICAN topics are interwoven with school courses, so reading for ICAN helped with school. It just meant less time to play around.” He added that his ICAN and school exam timetables did not clash, as there was usually a one-month gap between both.
Despite the rigorous demands, Alabi maintained strong academic performance. He attributes his success to intentional effort, strategic study, and deep faith in God. “I believe God is the ultimate source of wisdom. I also used YouTube tutorials a lot and often taught others, which helped me understand better,” he said.
He shared that Financial Management was his favourite course because of its complexity and the critical thinking it required. Quoting his father’s favourite saying, “Genius is 99 per cent perspiration and one per cent inspiration,” Alabi affirmed that excellence is the result of consistent hard work.
With the unwavering support of his family and an unrelenting drive, Oluwatiseyitan Alabi stands as a shining example of what young people can achieve through passion, discipline, and faith.