The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Lagelu & District Society, in collaboration with The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has urged students to embrace integrity, strategic thinking and innovation as core values for building successful careers and scalable businesses.
The charge was delivered at a seminar held to mark International Accounting Day 2025 at the ICAN Lecture Theatre of the institution. The event, themed “From Classroom to Boardroom: How to Start and Scale a Business,” brought together chartered accountants, academics and industry professionals who shared practical insights on entrepreneurship and career development.
Speaking, the Chairperson of ICAN Lagelu District, Chief Omokemi Oladipo (FCA), lauded the Accountancy Department for its continued mentorship of young people, saying the programme was designed to prepare students for leadership roles beyond the classroom. “We are here to plant the seed of greatness in you. ICAN is more than a professional body; it helps you become multi-tasking leaders,” she said.
Also speaking, Prince Oyebade Oyedepo (FCA) described the theme as timely, urging students to uphold probity, integrity and accountability, adding that compromised character had cost many professionals their careers. “This is why you must uphold ethics and values now,” he warned.
A senior manager at Flutterware Technologies Ltd., Ayodeji Adelabu (FCA), said decisions that shape destinies are made in boardrooms, advising students to build businesses around their areas of competence while staying focused and innovative. “Be strategic, visionary, adaptive and leverage technology, these are the features of boardroom leaders,” he said.
Another facilitator, Mr. Lucas Omosebi (FCA), encouraged students to articulate their vision and engage in long-term planning.
Delivering her keynote address , Prof. Olayinka Adenikinju [FCA] of the Department of Economics, Bowen University, Iwo, said viable business ideas often arise from solving real problems. “Be solution providers,” she urged.
Veteran accountant, Pa A. A. Elujoba (FCA), reminded participants that accountants are “all-rounders” and emphasised the importance of deliberate planning in career and business growth.
In her remarks, the Head of the Accountancy Department, Dr. Jadesola Adepoju, thanked ICAN Lagelu District and guest speakers for investing in the students’ development, describing the seminar as a valuable boost to their professional grooming.
