Ibrahim Aminullah is a first-class accounting graduate from Lagos State University, with a passion for excellence and a drive to succeed. Born and raised in Alimosho, Lagos State, Ibrahim’s journey to becoming an accounting professional began in secondary school, where his teacher’s encouragement and mentorship instilled in him a love for the field. Despite facing challenges in his undergraduate studies, Ibrahim persevered and excelled, earning a scholarship and recognition as a top student. He is now poised to take the next step in his career, pursuing professional certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria (ICAN) and seeking opportunities to apply his knowledge and skills in the real world. Excerpts.
Please provide Edugist with a brief introduction about yourself and your background.
My name is Ibrahim Aminullah; a First Class accounting graduate of the prestigious Lagos State University. I am an indigene of Ogun State but I was born and bred within Alimosho, Lagos State on the 28th day of February 2000.
What inspired you to study accounting?
It all started when I was admitted into the commercial department. My accounting teacher was a blessing in disguise. Her efforts towards ensuring we were well-versed in accounting contributed significantly to my desire to pursue the field. She was the kind of teacher everyone wanted to impress. She introduced impromptu tests, gave voluminous assignments, ensured that everyone was kept in check, and encouraged the top three students with tangible prizes. Interestingly, the idea of being encouraged with prizes fostered healthy competition among us. I put in a lot of effort, which eventually paid off because I became one of the best students at that time, and I was always eager to do things related to accounting. Little did I know that what started as a determination to win prizes would inspire me to pursue a career in accounting. However, I still wanted to be sure if I was making the right decision. Immediately after secondary school, I conducted research on the opportunities available to an accounting graduate. I realized that accounting is a universal field, and having its knowledge would make me flexible in terms of career options, allowing me to work in any institution.
Furthermore, having accounting knowledge would make me financially literate, especially in terms of how to judiciously manage personal finance.
Can you describe your undergraduate experience?
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Lagos State government and the Vice Chancellor for providing a serene atmosphere for learning and ensuring a smooth running of the university. My undergraduate experience wasn’t totally an easy one. It was a toll of rollercoaster experience; there were times I was happy and there were times I cried. A bad experience I can’t forget was in 100 level, when the result for the second semester was released. It told negatively on my CGPA; I went from being a first-class to a second-class student. I was so emotional that I cried for weeks. I questioned myself on several occasions about what I wasn’t doing right and I couldn’t get a valid response. As Allah would have it, I was able to bounce back with the help of Allah and my very good friends (James Oladejo and Jamiu Adenekan).
A blissful experience was in 200 level when the Vice Chancellor celebrated her one-year anniversary in office. To commemorate this, all first-class students were awarded scholarships. I immediately reminisced on how God made this an encouragement to my efforts after the devastating experience I had in 100 level.
In pursuance of serving humanity, I joined the Excel Minds Academic group. There, I was able to tutor students from different levels and departments. I also had the opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals who had the zeal for academic excellence; they were known as the best amongst the best during their school days. Their stories served as motivation that hard work pays.
The Tax Club LASU is also not an exception. Their activities have impacted me positively; the constant deliberation on tax matters, the boot camps were exceptional. I also had the opportunity to meet tax personnel who advised on paths to be a tax professional.
Finally, my journey through university has been a transformative experience, filled with both challenges and triumphs. As I look forward to the future, I carry with me invaluable lessons of resilience, perseverance, and the belief that with dedication, any obstacle can be overcome.
Were there any course you found especially difficult?
I don’t believe there is any difficult course, it only depends on your level of preparedness.
Did you frequently used the library for studying?
Not at all.
I only went to the library for a week in 100 level, and that was because i needed to get a textbook where I could sought answers to an assignment.
What significant challenge do you face during studying?
I was a slow learner, so I lacked the ability to comprehend things quickly. To overcome this challenge, I made sure to complete my studies a month before exams, using the remaining weeks to teach others, as I believed that this would help me understand better.
Did you participate in any internships during your study?
I will appreciate offers from any institution during or after the compulsory one year service for graduates, as I believe I have the potentials and competence.
Did you receive any scholarship for your studies?
I enjoyed the scholarship scheme provided by the school during the felicitation of the Vice-chancellor one year in office. Being a receipient of such scholarship was an act I never took granted. Then and now, I am still grateful to the Lagos State University for providing such opportunity.
Do you plan to pursue any professional certification to your field?
I am planning to obtain a professional certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountant in Nigeria (ICAN).
Has any lecturer contributed to your ease of navigating your Academics?
Every lecturer that taught me has impacted me significantly. The tensed atmosphere to submit assignments, the impromptu tests that keeps everyone on check, presentations that made every student embrace public speaking, to mention but a few. All of these have found their way in making Ibrahim a better him today.
Do you have any role model you admire?
My lecturer; Dr Jamiu Olakunle Tijani.
Dr. Jamiu was exceptional; his style of teaching was unique. Infact, the way he quotes accounting standards effortlessly makes him appear like he was born with it; he was my Albert Einstein. Aside his creativity on how to simplify topics, each class he holds has something new to learn. However, I never had this father and son relationship with him but I admire him a lot. Dr. Jamiu, May Allah (S.W.T) bless and continue to elevate you sir.
What are your long term career aspiration?
I would love to be an auditor; the fact that I can help companies put in place the necessary internal controls that could reduce the occurrence of material misstatements in the financial statements is what I have always yearned for. Also, as an external auditor, investors should have full reliance on whatever opinion I give regarding the truth and fairness of a company’s financial statements.
How do you plan to apply your knowledge to real world challenges?
In the words of Dr Jamiu Olakunle Tijani; “Accountant are financial engineers”.
Accounting has made it possible for the financial statements to be evaluated. The financial ratio is a great tool that I can use to identify the strength and weakness of a company.
Understanding taxation as an aspect of accounting has provided me with the knowledge on how to help individuals and companies compute tax liabilities and finding ways to reduce it without evading tax.
What are your plans following your completion of bachelor’s degree?
As expected, in whatever one does, serving ones country should be the first thing in ones mind; going for the compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is the first thing on my radar. While doing this, I will embark on acquiring necessary soft skills that will keep me relevant in the professional world. Becoming an Associate Chartered Accountant is another paramount plan for me.
