The newly elected president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Haruna Yahaya, has said the institute will focus on digitising its examination process and strengthening its brand.
Yahaya made this known on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, during his investiture as ICAN’s 61st president.
He said, “The world is moving fast with digital innovation, and we cannot afford to be left behind. Today, going digital is no longer a choice but a must. Just as business, education, and communication have changed, so must the way we certify future Chartered Accountants.”
During this presidential year, we are embarking on a bold and forward-looking journey to digitise the ICAN examination process fully. This transformation will be executed in carefully designed phases, beginning from the November 2025 Diet,” he said
He further explained that the transformation will encompass a robust conceptual design, comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and a pilot phase, all culminating in the deployment of a secure, proctored online examination platform that aligns with global best practices.
Moreover, Yahaya emphasised that his administration will revitalise the ICAN brand, not merely as a gatekeeper of professional standards but also as a symbol of excellence, relevance, and global distinction.
“This year, we are embarking on a bold brand revitalisation journey – one that will amplify ICAN’s voice across digital platforms, within academic corridors, in corporate boardrooms, and on the international stage. Our goal is simple but profound: to ensure that ICAN is not only respected but also recognised, remembered, and revered. Young professionals often challenge us by saying, ‘We know that ICAN is strong, but can the world see it?’ To address this challenge, we shall adopt a multi-pronged strategy that strengthens the institute’s identity, enhances its service culture, and inspires emotional connection with both prospective students and existing members,” he stressed.
He emphasised that with this innovative approach, ICAN will refresh its messaging platforms, launch integrated marketing campaigns, and engage diaspora communities through tailored outreach.
“From academic institutions to online learning spaces, from district societies to industry partners, we will ensure that ICAN is present, prominent, and preferred,” he said.
In the 2025/26 roadmap of ICAN, Yahaya stated that the institute will adopt a focus on thought leadership and policy advocacy.
“We will no longer whisper from the corners of policy debates; we will speak with clarity, courage, and conviction. For in a nation seeking answers, the accounting profession must be a voice of wisdom, not a silent witness. This year, ICAN will assert its place as a strong and trusted voice in national and international economic policy conversations. We will enhance our capacity to shape dialogue and influence decisions that affect not only the profession but the economy, the nation, and future generations,” he noted.
In addition, he said that ICAN will deepen its contributions to financial inclusion efforts, partner with stakeholders on financial literacy campaigns, and advocate for reforms that strengthen public trust.
Under his leadership, ICAN’s 61st president reiterated that the institution will continue to be a pillar for national regulation and anti-corruption efforts.
“Trust is the most valuable currency in any economy, and ICAN must be its custodian. To become a strong pillar for regulators, we will leverage our technical expertise, nationwide presence, and the credibility of our membership to actively support Nigeria’s journey toward combating corruption, promoting transparency, fostering good governance, and ensuring institutional accountability. This year, we shall strengthen ICAN’s role as a trusted ally to regulatory bodies, not merely as a watchdog, but as a collaborative partner in raising standards across both public and private sectors,” he said.
Yahaya took over the ICAN leadership mantle from Davidson Alaribe, who was the ‘Diamond’ president of the institute.
From a humble background in Bida, Niger State, he was guided by destiny to Bayero University, Kano, where he was first admitted to study Geography in 1983 but changed to Accounting, a decision he said he has never regretted.
The decision he took over four decades ago has led him to become the president of ICAN.
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