The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has inspired accountants to pursue chartered status to practise across the various branches of accounting and avoid being labelled mere bookkeepers.

A chartered accountant, Adeyemi Salau, gave the advice on Wednesday when ICAN, Ilorin and District Society, visited the Queen Elizabeth Secondary School and the Government Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The catch-them-young visit was to encourage secondary students, not only to pursue the profession, but also to become chartered at a young age.

Mr Salau encouraged early education, explaining that the district aimed to create ICAN consciousness in the students’ subconscious minds.

According to Mr Salau, the Chief Executive Officer of Springboard Associates, being a chartered accountant is not restricted to commercial students alone, but also to science and arts students.

He said the only requirement was a minimum of five credits in O-level results, including Mathematics and English Language.

“For those who have the dream of being an accountant in future, it is not enough to be an accountant; you have to be a smart accountant and to achieve that, you must be chartered.

“This is because being a chartered accountant gives room to practise various branches of accounting such as management accounting, taxation, auditing, forensic accounting, cost accounting and others. An accountant that isn’t chartered yet is just a bookkeeper,” Mr Salau said.

According to him, three levels qualify one as a junior accountant.

Mr Salau urged the students to utilise the opportunity to break the record of the present youngest chartered accountant in Nigeria, who became chartered at 17.

Earlier, the district chairman, Bose Fagbile, said the essence of the campaign was to catch them young.

Ms Fagbile urged the students not to wait till they secure admission into higher institutions before starting the process.

“You can start right after secondary school,” she said.

To encourage the students, the district’s general secretary, Toyin Alabi, offered to sponsor the first five students to register for the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) examination.

The principal of Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Rashida Abdul, appreciated ICAN for finding the school worthy to gain from their knowledge.

She urged the students to utilise the opportunity to make a decision that will shape their future.

On his part, the principal of Government Secondary School, Babatunde Kuranga, said the school was privileged to be a beneficiary.

He commended the district for encouraging the students to be professionals.