ICAN awards scholarship to students in honour of accounting doyen

Eight brilliant indigent undergraduate students of some Nigerian universities have received a N2 million centenary scholarship award sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, as part of activities to mark the 100th birthday of the doyen of accountancy, Pa Akintola Williams.

The beneficiaries, selected on merit from eight ICAN districts across the country were awarded the sum of N250,000. They include, Oladele Toyosi Michael from the university of Lagos, Akande Marvelous Feranmi, university of Abuja, Omotoso David Ayomide from Ahmadu Bello University and Isaac Mark from the university of Maiduguri. Others are, Ogbodo Antonia of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ichella Victory Chinyere from University of Port Harcourt, Uche Emmanuel Moti of the University of Benin and Dakwak Nerat Musa of the university of Jos.

At the presentation ceremony held in Lagos and attended by ICAN governing council and members of body of past presidents, the 55th president of ICAN, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuadigbo said the scholarship is specifically meant to assist outstanding students who require financial assistance in their studies. He stated that celebrating the doyen at 100 years is no doubt an incredible feat, but as incredible as the countless number of lives he has touched. Okwuadigbo noted that the institute continues to rely on Pa Williams wealth of experience anytime critical decisions are to be made stressing that he has always obliged his advice with uncommon humility and candour. He charged the beneficiaries and Nigerians to emulate his zeal for integrity and accuracy in all life’s endeavour.

Earlier, the management and council members of ICAN, deputy chairman of Akintola Williams’ foundation, Ayo Oni, chairman of body of past presidents, Emmanuel Ijewere and Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte & touch, Fatai Folarin had visited Pa Williams in his home in Lagos to present a birthday cake, cards and flowers to him.

While receiving the delegation amid rendition of ‘for he is a jolly good fellow’, on behalf of the celebrant and his family, Jumoke Abili nee Coker, a niece to Pa Akintola Williams thanked the delegation for the visit and for deeming it worthy to honour him, who she observed, is a champion of integrity for humanity.