The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria on Tuesday made history by inducting 1,600 accounting technicians during the 63rd Accounting Technicians Scheme, West Africa Induction Ceremony, held at the ICAN Centre, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
This cohort surpasses the previous record of 1,303 inductees set in July 2025, making it the largest in the history of the Institute.
The ceremony brought together senior ICAN officials, distinguished past presidents, professional colleagues, and families of the inductees. Key attendees included Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, as Special Guest of Honour; Mallam Tijjani Isa, FCA, Chairman of the Occasion and 58th ICAN President; and other council members and past presidents who have shaped the profession over decades.
President and Council Chairman of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Yahaya, delivered the Admission Address, urging the new members to embrace the responsibilities that come with the ATS qualification.
He described the induction as more than a ceremonial recognition, calling it a “defining chapter in your professional story”.
“You are not simply receiving certificates – you are inheriting a legacy built over decades by men and women who carried the torch of integrity, responsibility, and service across West Africa,” Mallam Yahaya said.
He reminded the inductees that the Accounting Technicians Scheme, West Africa, under ABWA, is one of the most robust and standardised qualification frameworks in the region, ensuring that every certified technician possesses the competence required to serve with precision and credibility.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the 1,600 joined the ranks of 35,181 ICAN-certified accounting technicians, while also gaining membership in the West Africa–wide Association of Accounting Technicians under ABWA, providing professional recognition across the sub-region.
Mallam Yahaya urged the inductees to continue striving for excellence, warning against complacency. “This is not the conclusion of your journey but the beginning of a calling,” he said, adding, “Accounting is the language of business. Today, you have become fluent in that language. But fluency without integrity is noise. Let your integrity be your signature and your competence your voice.”
He further encouraged continuous learning, adaptability to emerging technologies, and embracing evolving regulations. Highlighting that the ATS qualification provides exemptions on the path to becoming Chartered Accountants, he urged the inductees to pursue full chartered status boldly and without delay.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, mni, also addressed the inductees, emphasising the role of accounting technicians in driving organisational productivity and accountability. He described accountants as custodians of financial records and decision-making processes that shape both public and private sector outcomes.
“Professionalism and integrity will be your most valuable assets,” the Corps Marshal said. “Continuous learning and service-driven value creation will enhance your technical skills while positively impacting the organisations and communities you serve.”
He also highlighted the broader implications of accountability, linking it to road safety and the proper use of public funds. He noted that road crashes in Nigeria, especially during the festive season, lead to significant loss of life and economic impact and called on accounting professionals to ensure that funds approved for vehicle maintenance, safety checks, and driver training are properly utilised.
The ceremony concluded with the Oath of Allegiance, officially admitting the inductees into the accountancy profession. Families, well-wishers, and professional colleagues celebrated the achievement of the graduates, marking a milestone for both ICAN and the profession across West Africa.
