The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering strong collaborations with professional bodies for the advancement of teaching, learning, and staff development. He made this known while receiving a high-powered delegation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), led by its 60th President, Chief Davidson Alaribe, FCA, on a courtesy visit to the university.

The visit, which coincided with the inauguration of the Ife and District Society of ICAN, served as a platform for strengthening ties between the prestigious university and the globally recognized accounting institute.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor Bamire lauded ICAN for its commitment to professional excellence and capacity-building initiatives. He noted that OAU, as a centre of academic excellence, was open to partnerships that would enhance knowledge transfer, research, and professional development.

“ICAN has built an enviable legacy in the Nigerian financial ecosystem, and we at OAU deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to upholding standards in the accounting profession. We look forward to collaborating with ICAN, particularly in the area of training and capacity building for our staff, as well as improving the overall teaching-learning experience in financial studies,” he stated.

In his response, Chief Davidson Alaribe, FCA, commended the university management for its warm reception and acknowledged the university’s historical impact on education in Nigeria. He reiterated ICAN’s dedication to supporting institutions of higher learning, particularly in producing highly skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Obafemi Awolowo University has always been a beacon of knowledge and professionalism. As an institute, we are fully committed to working hand-in-hand with OAU to ensure that students and staff alike benefit from our wealth of experience and training opportunities. We believe that through strategic partnerships, we can further elevate the standards of accounting education and financial management,” he remarked.

After the courtesy visit, the delegation proceeded to the auditorium of the Africa Centre of Excellence, OAK-Park, where the Ife and District Society of ICAN was formally inaugurated. In a landmark ceremony, Chief Abimbola Bada, FCA, was invested as the pioneer Chairman of the newly established district society. Also, two esteemed members of the OAU community, Mrs. A. A. Akamo from the Bursary Department and Mr. C. Y. Adereti of the Directorate of Internal Audit, were sworn in as Vice-Chairman and Publicity Secretary, respectively.

The event marked yet another milestone in ICAN’s mission to strengthen its presence at the grassroots level, fostering professional development and deepening its engagement with higher institutions. With the inauguration of the Ife and District Society, OAU’s partnership with ICAN is set to yield greater opportunities for academic excellence, research, and professional advancement.