How an 18-Year-Old UNILORIN Student Became a Chartered Accountant Using a Habit-Tracking App

Faith Olabisi, an 18-year-old UNILORIN student, became a chartered accountant through determination, the use of a habit-tracking app, and support from her mother, lecturers, and tutorial center while overcoming academic challenges.

Faith Olabisi, an 18-year-old 300-level accounting student at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has achieved an extraordinary milestone by becoming a chartered accountant. She credits her success to the use of a habit-tracking app, alongside unwavering support from her mother, lecturers, and a quality tutorial center.

In an interview with BusinessDay, Olabisi shared that she had no specific study method but relied on the “Habit Tracker” app to monitor her reading habits. “There was no specific approach, but I downloaded an app, ‘Habit Tracker,’ to track my reading. The app would always tell me how long I read for,” she said.

Olabisi admitted that combining her undergraduate studies with the rigorous Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) courses was a challenge. “It has not been easy, but with the help of God, constant encouragement from my mom, understanding from my lecturers at UNILORIN, and quality lectures from my tuition center, I did it!” she added.

Her journey began in January 2022 when she enrolled in the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS 1) and passed the exams by March. She continued with ATS II and III, completing them by March 2023 to earn the Associate Accounting Technician (AAT) qualification. Determined to qualify as a chartered accountant by age 18, she pushed forward, despite setbacks, including failing one paper in November 2023. She retook and passed the exam in March 2024 and cleared her final stage in November 2024.

Despite her success, Olabisi faced challenges, particularly with calculation courses. “My greatest challenge was trying to understand my calculation courses. They were so difficult for me,” she said. During these tough moments, her mother’s encouragement kept her going. “My mum is my motivation, driving force, supporter, and everything. I called her crying when it got too hard, but she always found a way to motivate me,” she noted.

Nicknamed “Aduragbemi” by her mother, Olabisi was inspired by her mother, who is also a chartered accountant. She expressed gratitude to her UNILORIN lecturers for their cooperation, especially in accommodating her ICAN preparation by rescheduling tests and exams when necessary.

Looking ahead, Olabisi plans to focus on her undergraduate studies, pursue certifications like ACCA UK, and graduate with first-class honors. She advised students to stay focused and avoid distractions. “Just keep doing what you’re doing and don’t give up. Give it your best,” she said confidently.

Olabisi’s inspiring journey highlights the power of determination, discipline, and support in achieving academic and professional success at a young age.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, BUSINESS DAY