I’m going to share a saga that transcends a mere chronicle of professional qualification—it’s the essence of my grit and grace in the relentless pursuit of my dreams. It’s how I embraced the profound challenge of becoming a chartered accountant in Nigeria, a narrative woven with the threads of ambition, perseverance, and resilience.
You’re going to find out about an unspoken truth that hit me hard after graduating with my BSc in Accounting. I quickly realized that to transcend the rank of an ordinary accountant, I needed to bolster my academic laurels with professional certifications such as those offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
In my opinion, life presented me with a golden opportunity when I finished my mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service in 2023. I seized this chance with both hands, deciding to pursue my ICAN qualifications alongside my day job. This wasn’t just about adding another qualification; it was about carving a niche for myself in the prestigious echelons of the accounting world.
The journey was anything but easy. It was a daily grind that had me leaving home at the crack of dawn, spending a full day at work only to transition to a rigorous session of two-hour evening classes that ended at about 8:00 PM Nigeria Time, and finally trudging home for an hour and a half, at a time when most would be settling into their evening’s rest. This was the relentless routine I followed, rain or shine, exhaustion or illness, and as a woman navigating the quiet streets at night, the challenge took on yet another dimension of complexity.
Don’t worry too much about the times I faltered; they were but parts of my larger growth story. When the results came in after those four grueling months, they bore the bitter fruit of disappointment – I had flunked all three courses I attempted. It was a blow that threatened to plunge me into despair, a feeling magnified by watching my peers advance while I seemingly treaded water.
Yet, it was my ingrained spirituality as a Muslim that offered solace, helping me understand my struggle through the lens of Qadr—divine will. Accepting my failure as a test of faith, I refused to let it define or deter me. This moment of adversity became a catalyst, infusing me with a renewed determination to keep striving towards my dreams.
Triumph Through Tenacity: Overcoming Obstacles and Securing Success
In my story, you’re going to find out about raw determination and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. After my initial attempts at the ICAN examinations resulted in failure, it would have been easy to call it quits. But I realized something crucial: failure isn’t where my story ends, it’s actually where it truly begins. I decided to double down instead of stepping back. So I registered for five courses, not just the three I failed.
Now, you might think this was a risky move, and it was. But here’s the strategy I like to leverage: with greater risks come greater rewards. I ramped up my study sessions. Every waking moment became an opportunity to learn and improve. The structure of my life became work, study, and more study. Weekends were no longer breaks but intensive preparation periods. I was committed to not just passing but excelling.
The triumph was not just about passing exams. It was a testament to the power of resilience. When the results came in, and I learned that I had passed all five courses, it was like the dawn after a long night. This victory was monumental for me, marking the near-end of a chapter filled with sleepless nights, relentless effort, and an unwavering belief in my own abilities.
With only one course between me and the professional level, I stand on the precipice of achieving what I’ve dedicated years of my life to pursuing. That’s the pinnacle of success within my grasp. And the best part? I’ve grown exponentially, not just as a future chartered accountant but as a person forged by trials and triumphs.
The lessons I’ve learned on this journey are priceless. This isn’t just about accounting; it’s also about life. It’s about not letting your first attempt be your last, especially when pursuing something significant. Don’t worry too much about the stumbling blocks—they’re there to test your resolve. And you can always adjust your approach down the road, as long as you keep your destination in sight.
Now, I stand humbly yet proudly, ready to step into the professional world, armed with knowledge, experience, and the confidence that comes from overcoming such colossal hurdles. Insha’Allah, by the next year, I will be celebrating yet another landmark achievement: the well-earned, prestigious title of a Chartered Accountant.
The echoes of past victories may fade as new challenges emerge, but within me, a flame of resilience burns ever brighter. Each obstacle fuels my determination, each setback strengthens my resolve. I refuse to surrender to despair, choosing instead to invest my energy and resources into the pursuit of my dreams. With unwavering faith and a heart full of hope, I know I will conquer this next hurdle, emerging stronger and with a smile that radiates the triumph of the human spirit. Resilience isn’t just my strength; it’s the key to unlocking a future filled with limitless possibilities.
And so my question to you today is, what challenges are you willing to overcome for your success? Remember that the destination—the realization of your dreams—is worth every bit of struggle. Keep pushing, and don’t define yourself by the failures but by the strength you gained from them. I hope my story inspires you to persevere, no matter how arduous your path may be.