The best graduating student in the Faculty of Social Science (SOSSA) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Elizabeth Akinjole Iyewunmi, has affirmed that her pursuit of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) examination alongside her degree came with different challenges but contributed to her success.
The 24-year-old luminary, from the Economics department, was honored as the best graduating student with a remarkable 4.69 CGPA on December 9 during the convocation ceremony.
In an interview, Elizabeth recounted how she successfully earned her degree and became a chartered accountant.
Her journey towards becoming a chartered accountant
Reflecting on her career, she mentioned that her dream was to become a chartered accountant, leading her initially towards accounting.
However, recognizing potential limitations and desiring a broader knowledge base, she made the decision to study Economics.
“Being a chartered accountant was actually my dream career. Thus, accounting was my intended field of study when I graduated from secondary school in 2014.
However, I started using Accountung Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) examination while seeking admission in 2017. And since ATSWA would equally lead me to the goal of becoming a chartered accountant.”
Regarding her motivation to excel, Elizabeth cited a clear vision of her future, the philosophy of doing her best in every endeavor, and the invaluable support of her parents, friends, and mentors who became like a second family.
“I grew up with supportive parents who, despite not always understanding my goals, supported me in every way they could. My close friends, Victoria and Julianna, were also very supportive, especially in cases where I missed classes due to exams. They’d be there to explain areas where I was falling behind.”
Reflecting on the challenges
Elizabeth faced academic challenges while combining ICAN examinations with her Economics studies.
“Mentors like Mr. Akinlolu Olojede and Dr. (Mrs.) Fadiran provided guidance, and friends like Victoria and Julianna offered unwavering support during challenging times.
“I had mentors whom I could turn to for advice, as they had gone through the same path before.” She said
According to Elizabeth, her pursuit of a First Class required strategic approaches, including answering questions according to each lecturer’s preferences, creating personal reading notes by combining different textbooks, and seeking advice from experienced individuals.
“I experimented with various study techniques like active recalling, Feynman techniques, etc., until I found what worked best for me.”
Speaking about how she navigated through despite the strict marking guide of some lecturers, she noted that she did ask questions from those who were above her in level regarding what some lecturers wanted.
She said, “During examinations, I answered questions according to what I knew each lecturer wanted. I combined different textbooks (along with the materials given by the lecturer) for each course to create my personal reading notes.
I asked questions from people who were levels above me regarding a course or lecturer. I always wanted to learn more, thus, I read different articles outside the scope of what was being taught.”
How she strikes balance
Balancing ICAN exams, tutorial classes, and university studies demanded exceptional time management.
She disclosed that her journey taught her crucial skills in prioritizing activities and expanding her knowledge base.
“I learned time management and prioritized numerous activities.”
Elizabeth faced a setback in the 200-level second semester but demonstrated resilience by joining ENACTUS AAUA, an organization in the school, and SMPN AAUA, contributing to society, and expanding her interests beyond academics.
“I joined ENACTUS AAUA and SMPN AAUA as I wanted to contribute to society in any way I could and expand my interest in the media space.”
Speaking about the challenges faced combining ICAN examination, she said, “Combining ICAN examination with being an Economics undergraduate was never an easy journey. But my mentors like Mr. Akinlolu Olojede, Dr. (Mrs.) Fadiran, and many others whom I could turn to for advice had gone through the same path before.”
Revitalized by her extracurricular involvement, Elizabeth achieved a GPA of 4.77 in 300-level first semester, reinforcing her belief that, with faith, a First Class was attainable.
“300 level first semester GPA came in at 4.77. That’s when I realized, with God, I can actually achieve a first class. This was in 2021.”
Advice to Students
Elizabeth’s words of wisdom for aspiring students emphasize the importance of maintaining focus, planning ahead, seeking guidance from successful individuals, being flexible, surrounding oneself with like-minded people, and, most importantly, seeking divine guidance.
“Do not put too much pressure on yourself if things are currently not going as you initially planned.”
Contribution to the Society
According to her, her vision extends beyond academics; she aspires to contribute to society by improving the financial literacy of individuals, irrespective of their background.
“I intend to contribute to my society by enhancing the financial literacy of individuals regardless of their social class, race, age, or gender.”
