The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is set to commence a full digital transformation of its examination process beginning with the November 2025 Diet, marking a significant shift towards modernising the professional certification system in Nigeria.
Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, the Institute’s newly inaugurated 61st President made the announcement in his acceptance speech in Lagos on Tuesday.
He described the move as “a transformative leap into the future,” positioning the Institute as a global standard-bearer in professional assessment and certification.
“In today’s fast-evolving landscape, digital transformation is no longer a strategic option, it is an existential imperative. We cannot, and must not, continue to assess future-ready professionals with tools rooted in the past. The time to act is now, and the future begins with this step.”
According to Yahaya, the digital transformation will be implemented in phases and will include a robust conceptual design, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation plans, and a pilot rollout. The final goal is a secure, proctored online examination platform benchmarked against global leaders like the ACCA, ICAEW, and CPA Canada.
Beyond improving operational efficiency and scalability, Yahaya said that the new system will offer a more inclusive and responsive examination experience for candidates. “This initiative is not simply about technological change; it is about positioning ICAN as a global leader in the delivery of professional certification,” he noted.
He noted that the framework and roadmap for the rollout will be presented at the forthcoming ICAN Council retreat, where members will deliberate on implementation strategies. Yahaya called for collective ownership of the initiative from members and stakeholders, describing it as central to ICAN’s theme for the year: Powering a New Era of Integrity and Innovation.
“This is the essence of our mission—to elevate our profession, inspire the next generation, and contribute meaningfully to national development through principled financial leadership,” he said.
He urged the ICAN community to act not as “passive observers, but as active co-creators of a future-ready ICAN.”
With this bold step, ICAN aims to not only keep pace with global trends but also set the standard for digital excellence in professional certification across Africa.
Speaking further he said that it is time the world sees ICAN not merely as a gatekeeper of professional standards, but as a symbol of excellence, relevance, and global distinction, stressing that in an era defined by visibility, narrative, and perception, a legacy that is not seen, heard, or celebrated risks being forgotten.
“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.
“ICAN will no longer be a quiet achiever – it will become a visible force. A name that resonates with pride. A destination brand for aspiring professional accountants across Africa and the diaspora. We will refresh our messaging platforms, launch integrated marketing campaigns, and engage diaspora communities with 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 added.
