The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria has unveiled a revised professional examination syllabus that seeks to support the country’s fiscal reform agenda and improve public sector accountability.
At the unveiling recently, the body revealed that the syllabus also aligned with its ICAN Accountability Index, an instrument that it uses to assess transparency in public financial management across the country.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, the Chairman of the Syllabus Review Committee, Chibuzor Anyanechi, said the updated curriculum reinforces core competencies in accountability, fiscal responsibility, and sustainability.
“The syllabus embeds key provisions of the Finance Acts (2020–2023) and now also aligns more closely with the expectations of the ICAN Accountability Index, promoting transparency and efficient public financial management,” he noted.
According to him, this alignment is particularly significant in Nigeria, where public financial accountability remains a critical issue.
He added that by embedding legislative updates, including the anticipated tax reforms, ICAN ensures its students are equipped to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and contribute to public transparency efforts.
The revised syllabus is set to take effect from the November 2025 examination diet. In addition to public sector reforms, the curriculum incorporates modules on Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability Reporting and Responsible Finance.
A key highlight of the syllabus is its integration of digital and technology-related skill sets, preparing accountants for the demands of a digital economy.
“Technology is carefully and adequately embedded in the new syllabus,” Anyanechi affirmed, pointing to modules that address the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and other frontier technologies.
This technological focus is critical as geographic boundaries fade in a globalised world, requiring accountants to be “globally agile.”
Traditionally reviewed every five years, ICAN disclosed that its syllabus will now be updated every three years to reflect the rapid pace of change.
ICAN also introduced a new waiver framework allowing candidates to seek exemption from previously failed subjects, provided they later obtain relevant qualifications that demonstrate competence.
“It’s a recognition that learning is not always linear,” Anyanechi said, describing the move as a shift toward a more skill-based, flexible certification system.
In his comments, ICAN’s 60th President, Davidson Alaribe, described the reform as essential to maintaining the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s accounting professionals.
“Even native doctors go for further training. The world is changing at a geometric rate, and our students must be in line with current business trends. Even the tax reforms are already being embedded in anticipation that the bill will be passed into an Act. As soon as it’s passed into an act, specific modules will be introduced that will be examined six months after being signed by the president,” he added.
Alaribe noted that the new structure retains the 15-subject format but features revised subject names and enriched content.
He added, “Pilot questions and mock exams will be introduced ahead of the rollout to guide students and assess implementation.”
The review also involved broad collaboration with global and national stakeholders, including the International Federation of Accountants, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission and major professional services firms.
