Babcock University Student Emerges Overall Best in ICAN November Diet Exam

L-R: Vice President Financial Administration/ University Bursar, Babcock University, Dr. Folorunsho Akande; Babcock University alumnus/ prize winner for best qualifying candidate in a diet, Miss Chidinma Akalezi; President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa; and Dean, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Prof Samuel Dada, during the presentation of prizes at ICAN 73rd induction ceremony for new members, held in Lagos on Tuesday.

Babcock University final year Accounting student, Akalezi Chidinma Deborah took the shine of the day as she received four prizes at the 73rd induction ceremony for newly qualified 2,015 new members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.

Akalezi received the first merit prize for being the best at the professional level of the November diet of 2023; Akintola Williams Deloitte and Touché Prize for the Best Qualifying Candidate in a diet; Past President Dame Onome Joy Adewuyi Prize for the Best Qualifying Female Candidate in a diet and SWAN Prize for the Best Qualifying Female candidate in the diet.

Akulezi noted that the key to her success was a combination of perseverance, mentorship, and adaptability. “Initially, I planned to stagger my exams due to my internship commitments. However, Dr. Ajibade, my mentor in Babcock, recognized my potential and encouraged me to take all five papers at once. Trusting his judgment, I committed fully and worked tirelessly to prepare. This unwavering support, coupled with my ability to adapt and stay focused under pressure, allowed me to excel beyond my expectations. The journey taught me the importance of pushing boundaries and the incredible impact of the right guidance”, she said. Akalezi expressed a desire to take on increasingly challenging roles within the accounting profession in the next few years. “My goal is to gain critical and diverse experience. I also aim to leverage my adaptability and commitment to become a well-rounded professional, contributing significantly to my organization and the industry. Ultimately, I aspire to hold a leadership position where I can influence strategic decisions and mentor others, continuing the cycle of support and excellence that has been crucial to my own success”.

L-R: Parents of the best qualifying candidate in a diet, Mr. Justin Akalezi & Mrs. Bridget Akalezi; Babcock University alumnus/ prize winner for best qualifying candidate in a diet, Miss Chidinma Akalezi; President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa; Vice President Financial Administration/ University Bursar, Babcock University, Dr. Folorunsho Akande; Partner/ West Africa Tax Leader, Deloitte, Mr. Yomi Olugbenro and Dean, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Prof Samuel Dada, during the presentation of prizes at ICAN 73rd induction ceremony for new members, held in Lagos on Tuesday.

Commenting on her excellent outing in the exams, the head of the department of Accounting, Prof Apollos Nwaobia, said Chidinma Akalezi is a model of what a committed, resolute and focused student should be. “She is calm and humble. She is a pride to both her parents and the Department of Accounting of Babcock University. She will surely add value to our society. We wish her great success in her future career”.

Also, her mentor, Dr. Ayodeji Ajibade said, “Akalezi’s hard work and determination paid off beyond our wildest expectations. She sat for five papers and cleared all at the same time”. ICAN president, Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa commended Akalezi and other prize winners for their outstanding performance and urged them to contribute their best to the accounting profession in Nigeria and beyond.