The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Aviation Chapter engaged secondary school students at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, with career mentorship shaping the central theme of the outreach. The outreach, delivered under the “Catch Them Young” initiative, targeted pupils of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary Schools and focused on early exposure to professional pathways. The programme was organised in collaboration with the ICAN Ikeja and District Society, reinforcing the role of Career Mentorship in shaping informed academic and professional choices.
Speaking during the engagement, Pioneer Chairman of the ICAN Aviation Chapter, Mr Ayodele Olatiregun, emphasised that Career Mentorship remains critical at a time when young people face increasing social distractions. He explained that structured guidance helps students develop discipline, confidence and leadership skills early in life. According to him, professional awareness at the secondary school level creates clarity of purpose and encourages long-term goal setting among learners.
Olatiregun further described the initiative as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world opportunities. He noted that Career Mentorship allows educators and professionals to identify latent talents and nurture them deliberately. In addition, he stressed that exposure to real career stories helps students understand that success is built on preparation, consistency and ethical conduct rather than chance.
Highlighting practical pathways, Olatiregun drew attention to the ICAN Accounting Technicians Scheme. He said the scheme offers students a structured entry into accounting while still building employable skills. Through Career Mentorship, he explained, students can understand how the ATS provides a foundation that prepares candidates for both employment and progression to full professional certification as Chartered Accountants.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Ezekiel Adeleye reaffirmed that accounting remains central to business sustainability and public governance. He explained that the Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa serves as an accessible route for young people with basic academic qualifications. Through Career Mentorship, he added, students can appreciate how technical competence in accounting supports transparency, accountability and organisational growth across sectors.
Dr Adeleye noted that with five O-level credits or a relevant diploma, students can begin the ATSWA journey and build strong technical capacity. He explained that many beneficiaries of Career Mentorship progress from technician level to full professional status, gaining relevance in both public and private sector roles across West Africa and beyond.
The event also featured a practical session on financial modelling delivered by Ms Oluwaseun Minakiri of dbrownconsulting. She explained the concept, relevance and value of financial modelling in modern business decision-making. Through Career Mentorship examples, she demonstrated how young learners can combine academic study with professional certifications to stand out early, including a case study of a University of Lagos undergraduate with AFM accreditation.
Students responded positively to the session, expressing renewed interest in accounting and related professional careers. Teachers present commended the initiative, noting that Career Mentorship programmes of this nature complement formal education and broaden students’ understanding of future opportunities.
