From Chukwuma Umeorah
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening accountability frameworks and promoting transparency in Nigeria’s governance systems, with a renewed resolve to combat corruption through professional expertise and institutional collaboration.
Speaking during his investiture ceremony as the 61st President of ICAN in Lagos on Tuesday, Haruna Yahaya pledged to reposition the institute as a vital ally to regulatory bodies and a driving force in advancing good governance across public and private sectors.
“This year, we shall strengthen ICAN’s role as a trusted ally to regulatory bodies, not merely as a watchdog, but as a collaborative partner in raising standards across both public and private sectors,” Yahaya stated in his inaugural address.
The ceremony drew high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Aminu Usman; the Attorney General of Jigawa State, Abdulqadir Fanini; the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Rabiu Olowo; the President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Zuwaira Kishimi; and the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Professor Pius Olanrewaju, among others.
Outlining his vision for the institute, Yahaya revealed a comprehensive reform agenda that prioritises strengthening professional standards in auditing and financial reporting, enhancing forensic accounting to support anti-corruption efforts, and deepening ICAN’s engagement in national policy discussions.
“We are not just building courses, we are building capacity for future-ready leadership,” he said, while highlighting upcoming updates to the institute’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes. These will now feature modules on key emerging areas such as cybersecurity, sustainability, and data analytics.
Among the initiatives unveiled was the launch of the Small and Medium Practitioners (SMPs) Academy, a specialised platform aimed at equipping practitioners with modern regulatory insights, digital tools, and operational capacity to meet evolving market demands.
“By empowering SMPs, we will not only enhance audit quality and elevate standards but also broaden access to economic participation and inclusive prosperity,” Yahaya added.
Recognising the need to reposition the ICAN brand for a new generation, Yahaya announced a bold rebranding initiative that will prioritise digital engagement. He disclosed that ICAN will adopt a “digital-first” strategy across platforms such as TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram, supported by outreach to academic institutions and diaspora communities to create an inclusive environment for the younger generation, particularly Gen Z.
“This generation doesn’t just want to clock in, they want to change the world. That is the kind of fire we need in ICAN,” he stated. “Beyond improving operational efficiency and scalability, this transformation will elevate the candidate experience, providing them with a modern, responsive, and inclusive examination environment that mirrors the 21st-century workplace. We cannot, and must not, continue to assess future-ready professionals with tools rooted in the past. The time to act is now, and the future begins with this step.”
Yahaya also announced new plans to close the gap between academic learning and employment through partnerships with employers for internships, mentorships, and job placements.
“This is more than a transition in leadership, it is a reawakening of purpose. ICAN must now speak to the aspirations of a new era, more inclusive, more innovative, and more influential,” he declared. He called on members, past leaders, and colleagues in the governing council to rally behind the institute’s transformation journey, saying: “If you want to go far, go together.”
“The road to success is rarely discovered, it is forged. We are the inheritors of a legacy resilient in spirit and radiant with the promise of greater impact. Let us build an ICAN that the next generation will not only inherit but celebrate,” he concluded.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, commended Yahaya’s distinguished record across the public and private sectors. “His visionary approach to capacity development and his contributions to ethical and regulatory standards have been instrumental to the institute’s growth. We expect ICAN to play an even bigger role in shaping Nigeria’s economic direction,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the outgoing 60th ICAN President, Davidson Alaribe, praised Yahaya’s dedication and active involvement in council activities, noting that Yahaya had already been playing a co-piloting role in leadership behind the scenes.
Alaribe disclosed that Yahaya received a formal handover note, a first in the institute’s history, and encouraged him to maintain the practice. “Wisdom is not exclusive. Two heads will always reason better than one. Carry your deputy and council along. Institutional continuity depends on shared leadership,” he advised.
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