JALINGO — The Jalingo and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), in collaboration with the National Union of Accounting Students Association (NUASA), has organised a mentorship programme for accounting students of Taraba State University on the roadmap to becoming professional accountants.
The programme, held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Twin Hall of Taraba State University, brought together prominent members of ICAN in Taraba State, led by the District Chairman, Mrs. Ruth Angyu, ACA.
Also in attendance were two former chairmen of the district, Mr. Ibro Bala, ACA, and Mr. Gabriel Motunrayo Olayinka, FCA, alongside executives and members of the district society.
The mentorship programme was designed to expose students to the professional opportunities available in the accounting profession and provide practical guidance on the steps required to qualify as chartered accountants.
Take Your Studies Seriously, ICAN Chairman Tells Students
Addressing the students, the District Chairman, Mrs. Ruth Angyu, urged them to take their academic pursuits seriously and begin planning early for professional qualification.
She encouraged the students to develop the ambition of becoming chartered accountants, describing ICAN as a prominent professional accounting body in Nigeria.
According to her, becoming an ICAN member requires commitment and sacrifice, but the professional opportunities and benefits that come with the qualification make the effort worthwhile.
She urged the students to remain focused on their studies and take advantage of opportunities provided by the institute to support young aspiring accountants.
Ibro Bala Explains ICAN Qualification Process
A former chairman of the Jalingo and District Society, Mr. Ibro Bala, explained the procedures and requirements for becoming a chartered accountant through ICAN.
He encouraged the students to begin early and follow the appropriate pathway towards achieving their professional ambitions.
Bala explained that students could commence their professional journey through the Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS), which allows eligible candidates to begin taking ICAN examinations while still pursuing their university education.
He said the ATS provides a pathway through which students can progress towards the professional examinations and eventually qualify as chartered accountants.
Bala also drew the students’ attention to various programmes and opportunities available to them through ICAN, including scholarships.
He explained that the institute’s scholarship opportunities recognise outstanding students under different categories, including Gold, Silver and Diamond, designed to support and encourage academic excellence among students.
Olayinka Challenges Students to Make ICAN Qualification a Priority
Also speaking, former District Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Motunrayo Olayinka, FCA, challenged the students to make professional qualification through ICAN a priority.
Olayinka identified hard work, commitment and determination as three key qualities students need to achieve their ambition of becoming chartered accountants.
He urged the students not to be discouraged by the demands of the profession, stressing that success requires consistent effort and dedication.
According to him, ICAN qualification is achievable for students who are prepared to work hard and remain committed to their goals.
He encouraged the students to aspire to become members of what he described as one of the foremost professional accounting bodies in the world.
Olayinka, however, noted that while the ICAN examinations are achievable, students should understand that professional qualification requires sacrifice, preparation and serious commitment.
The mentorship programme provided the accounting students with an opportunity to interact directly with experienced professionals and gain insight into the academic, professional and career pathways available within the accounting profession.
The organisers expressed the hope that the engagement would inspire more students to begin preparing early for professional accounting qualifications and build successful careers in the profession.
