Jacob Abu: Pioneering Excellence and Innovation in the Accounting Field with Record-Breaking ICAN Success

By Tosin Clegg

Mr. Jacob Abu’s educational drive has once again borne fruit as he tops the ICAN Exams in Nigeria with record-breaking results. Highlighting his academic prowess, Mr. Jacob emerged as the third overall best qualifying candidate in Nigeria at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) May 2019 Diet Examination.

Mr. Jacob, a recent graduate of the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, cleared all five papers in one sitting, achieving one of the highest overall average scores among all candidates worldwide. His exceptional performance has earned him recognition as a shining star in Nigeria’s professional accounting landscape.

Mr. Jacob, the son of Mr. Abu Matthew, a retired mechanical engineer, graduated from the prestigious University of Benin with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division in the 2015/2016 academic session. Jacob Abu hails from Benin City, Edo State, and has been described as an inspiration to his peers.

Jacob’s journey to stardom began with his exceptional performance in the JAMB examinations, where he emerged as one of the top candidates with outstanding scores. His brilliance continued to shine during his undergraduate studies at the University of Benin, where he consistently excelled as one of the best students in his department across 200L, 300L, and 400L. He ultimately graduated as one of the best graduating students in Accounting in the 2015/2016 academic session.

His intellectual prowess extended beyond the classroom. Mr. Jacob has shown great commitment to advancing the field of accounting. He has been involved in various initiatives ranging from community service to publications in accounting journals and research aimed at contributing to the accounting field. During his service year at Iba High School in Kisi, Oyo State, he organized various accounting competitions and offered several extra classes aimed at equipping accounting professionals with the required skills and knowledge, thereby shaping the future for the next generation of accountants. His mantra has always been one of the words of role model, Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” To Jacob, the greatest contribution you can make to the accounting field is to prepare the next generation of accountants and equip them with requisite accounting knowledge and skills.

During the 64th ICAN Induction Ceremony for new members, which took place at the ICAN Centre in Lagos in November 2019, Mr. Jacob was celebrated for his unprecedented achievements in the field of accounting and his immense contribution to ensuring that the next generation of accountants is not only equipped with the requisite accounting skills but also has a role model in him. During the induction ceremony, he received the prestigious ICAN Merit Prize for Third Overall Professional Level, recognizing him both for his excellence at the ICAN Examination and particularly for his contribution to national growth in the field of accounting through his outstanding work.

Mr. Jacob’s exceptional achievements in the field of accounting exemplify his exemplary commitment to academic and professional excellence, as well as his passion for advancing the field of accounting. As he continues to garner accolades, he stands as an inspiration for aspiring professionals and a proud symbol of educational and intellectual potential within the accounting field.