Faith Olabisi: The 18-Year-Old UNILORIN Student Who Became a Chartered Accountant While Still in School

DOBBlog Education Desk | April 13, 2025

When most university students are just settling into the rhythm of campus life, Faith Olabisi was already working on something most Nigerians only dream about qualifying as a chartered accountant. At 18.

Now in her 200 level at the University of Ilorin, the young Accounting student made headlines this week after officially receiving her ICAN certification, making her one of the youngest chartered accountants in Nigeria and possibly the youngest ever from UNILORIN.

But it wasn’t just talent. It was grit.

“People think I’m naturally gifted,” Faith said during a quiet interview with DOBBlog. “But I had to give up sleep, parties, even social media just to keep up with both ICAN and school. I studied everywhere hostel, classroom, bus stops… anywhere.”

Her story isn’t just another tale of academic excellence. It’s a wake up call for an entire generation.

Balancing Two Worlds

The ICAN exams are no joke. Many candidates attempt the certification multiple times, often after completing their degrees. But Faith didn’t want to wait.

“I knew if I waited till after school, life would start getting louder NYSC, job search, family,” she said. “So I took the risk now.”

Her mornings began with 5 a.m. revision sessions, squeezed between lectures and departmental meetings. Nights were spent reviewing audit notes by flashlight when the hostel generator went off.

Her coursemates didn’t even know she was writing ICAN she kept it quiet to avoid pressure.

No Silver Spoon

Contrary to what people might assume, Faith didn’t come from a privileged background.

Her father runs a small auto parts shop in Ilorin. Her mother teaches in a public secondary school. It was her older brother who first introduced her to financial accounting.

“We didn’t have much, but we had books,” she smiled. “That was enough.”

The Bigger Picture: UNILORIN’s Role

Faith’s success is also being seen as a reflection of UNILORIN’s evolving academic culture one that increasingly supports students taking bold steps outside the classroom.

Dr. Adebayo Musa, one of her lecturers, told DOBBlog:

“Faith reminds us what’s possible when a student combines raw discipline with vision. She didn’t just pass ICAN she did it while submitting assignments and sitting UNILORIN tests. That’s not normal. That’s elite.”

What’s Next for Faith?

You’d think she’d take a break but no. Faith already has her eyes on ACCA and hopes to build a finance consultancy for SMEs before she turns 25.

“My dream isn’t just about titles,” she says. “It’s to help small businesses stop failing. Nigeria needs people who understand money I want to be one of them.”

Faith Olabisi’s journey is not just an inspiration it’s a disruption. In a country where youth are often underestimated or overlooked, her success is a quiet, powerful reminder:

Age doesn’t limit greatness — vision does.