Meet Islamiyyah Abdullateef, first-class graduate who became chartered accountant while an undergrad

Islamiyyah Abdullateef became a chartered accountant while studying towards her first degree in accounting. Now she is a first-class graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University. Full of dreams, she speaks with Edugist about challenges she encountered combining these endeavors and her plans ahead. Excerpts 

Please share with Edugist, a little about yourself and your background.

I am Islamiyyah Tunrayo Abdullateef, a first class graduate of accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University and a chartered accountant.

I am a young, enthusiastic, and responsible individual who is always willing and ready to learn. I am passionate about financial reporting, taxation, finance and audit. I’m the first child in a family of seven.

What motivated you to pursue a degree in accounting?

It’s quite funny. When I was young, my mother would always refer to me as her accountant, requesting me to help her count the money made from the day’s sales in her business. That was how the passion started.

I was consistently passionate about it. I remember mentioning that if not accounting, then it’s nothing. It became my passion and I’m happy that Allah made it easy.

What was your undergraduate experience like?

It was full of ups and downs. Of course, that’s only natural. At the same time, it was enjoyable.

I journeyed with five friends who made the learning very easy. From my end, it was filled with dedication, prayers and perseverance.

Asides academics, I also took leadership positions and participated in various award winning competitions. For instance, I was the Tax Manager of the Students’ Professional Bureau of Accountancy in my final year. Also as an undergraduate, I started and completed my ICAN exams, qualifying me as a Chartered Accountant.

Were there any courses that you found particularly challenging?

I didn’t actually find any course particularly challenging. Attending classes was part of me and I never intentionally missed any class.

I understood lecturers’ requirements and wrote exams with that understanding. Regardless, Econometrics was a bit challenging.

Did you use the library for study?

I did use the library for study. But since the library wasn’t open at night, I frequently used classrooms for overnight reading many times.

What significant challenges did you encounter during your study?

It wasn’t particularly easy to combine my first degree with the professional ICAN examinations but Alhamdulillah, Allah made it easy.

It was the most significant challenge, especially when the two exams fell during the same period.

Did you participate in any internship during your study?

Unfortunately, I didn’t participate in any internship. I really would have loved to, but I didn’t.

Did you win any scholarship for your study?

No, I didn’t win any scholarship for my study. In the future, however, I’m looking forward to getting scholarships to further my education and foster my career, professionally.

Do you have any plans to take other professional certification exams in your field?

Of course, after obtaining the ICAN (ACA) professional certificate, I am looking to also obtain the global CFA certification, and of course, other professional certifications.

Do you have any role models you look up to?

Yes, I have a lot of persons I look up to. Many senior colleagues, Taiwo Oyedele, and Bushrat Adeniji are some of them.

Also, I understand that role models do not have to be people who have become extremely successful, so I also have colleagues from whom I learn and indeed, look up to.

What are your long-term career goals?

I would love to become a renowned, successful and respectable woman who is an expert in her chosen field.

How do you envision applying your knowledge to real-world challenges?

I understand that the real world require brilliant minds who are knowledgeable and sound to help resolve the underlying prevalent issues.

My profession opens doors of many opportunities. I see myself exploring the diverse fields, whilst contributing my quota to national development.

After your bachelor’s degree, what next?

After my bachelor’s degree, I’m looking to obtain my master’s degree in a renowned university, abroad. I also plan to explore the field of accounting and finance in an enthusiastic manner such that my professionalism can be put to best use.