FUMSS Ameer, Abdullah Abiola, Qualifies as Chartered Accountant While Still an Undergraduate

The Ameer of the Fountain University Muslim Students’ Society (FUMSS), Abdullah Abiola, has successfully qualified as a Chartered Accountant after completing his professional examinations with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), marking a remarkable milestone in leadership, dedication, and academic excellence.

The Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, in her congratulatory message, commended Abdullah for what she described as a tenacious and outstanding achievement, praising his resilience and determination. The university also celebrated him publicly, reaffirming its commitment to producing graduates who are academically sound, professionally certified, and well-equipped with soft skills before graduation. In a statement from the College of Management and Social Sciences, Abdullah, a 400-level Accounting student, was described as a reflection of the university’s strong support for professional development alongside academic learning.

“On behalf of the Dean, COMAS, the Head of Department, and staff of the Department of Accounting & Finance, we proudly celebrate Mr. Abiola Abdullahi Olalekan, a 400-level Accounting student, who has successfully passed the ICAN examination while still an undergraduate. His success reflects Fountain University’s strong support for professional development alongside academics,” the message read.

Abdullah shared that Accounting was not his initial dream career, but life gradually guided him toward it. After his Junior WAEC, his best subject was Business Studies, which led him to the commercial department. There, he discovered his natural strength in Accounting. Although he was faced with plenty of viable career options, a close friend encouraged him to stick to what he excelled in, a decision that eventually shaped his journey.

His ICAN story began in secondary school when he won the ICAN Catch Them Young competition. He also credited his father, a member of the institute, as his greatest motivation, constantly encouraging him to begin ICAN immediately after gaining admission to Fountain University. Although not yet formally inducted, Abdullah has completed all required examinations and is now a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Balancing ICAN with university studies was one of his biggest challenges. He admitted that it was not easy and that he often had to give attention to whatever demanded urgency at each point in time.

Despite wishing he could sometimes pause time, he emphasised that students truly have time; they only misuse it. He described endurance as his guiding principle, noting that ICAN students hardly enjoy holidays. What was meant to be a two-and-a-half–year journey became three years due to skipping a diet, but today, he says every sacrifice was worth it.

Abdullah strongly attributed his success to Allah, his family, and his friends. He recalled moments when he could not complete his syllabus or was unsure of answers in the exam hall, yet refused to engage in malpractice, relying solely on Allah and never being disappointed. He also appreciated his supportive friends, whom he described as a major source of strength throughout the journey.

Encouraging other students, Abdullah advised them to learn how to approach examinations, understand how questions are set, and master how answers should be structured. He reminded students to pray consistently, remain patient, endure, work hard, and believe in themselves completely, stressing that one should never condemn oneself because self-belief is essential. He further encouraged students to actively participate in FUMSS activities, noting that success is not guaranteed by academics alone but also through spiritual grounding, discipline, and the help of Allah.

His achievement stands as an inspiring symbol of determination, resilience, faith, and discipline, proving that with hard work, sacrifice, and reliance on Allah, excellence is truly attainable.