Women accountants inspire students through mentorship, promoting ethical careers and lifelong empowerment.
Breaking Barriers: Women Accountants Inspire Students’ Career Dreams
When 16-year-old Abiola Olatunji stood to ask a question during a career talk session in Lagos Island, her voice trembled not from fear, but from excitement.
For the first time, she was face to face with women who had carved powerful paths in a profession she barely understood: accounting.
This wasn’t just another school program. It was a moment of revelation and for many students like Abiola, a turning point.
Organized by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), the mentorship event wasn’t about numbers alone.
It was about changing lives and planting purpose.
Held at Boys Academy, Sura, with students also from Girls Senior Academy and Girls Secondary Grammar School,
Obalende, it was a vibrant convergence of aspirations and seasoned professionals.
Let’s dive into why this event stands out and how it’s reshaping how young Nigerians, especially girls, see their future.
Why This Event Mattered: Moving Beyond Classrooms
In a society where traditional career paths like medicine, law, and engineering dominate student conversations, accounting often takes a back seat.
But this event flipped the script.
Mrs. Hilda Ozoh, chairperson of SWAN Lagos Chapter, passionately spoke about the transformative power of financial literacy and the discipline of accounting.
“A child needs not just education but also mentorship to reach their destiny,” she told the students. “And that’s why we’re here.”
Her message was not only instructional but deeply empowering. She introduced accounting as a career built on ethics, integrity,
and wide-ranging opportunities from finance and taxation to management and consultancy.
The emphasis wasn’t only on technical skills but on mindset: confidence, ambition, and the ability to navigate life with purpose.
Girls and Goals: Changing the Narrative Around STEM and Finance
For decades, accounting like many STEM-related professions has been seen as male-dominated. SWAN is changing that.
Events like this one aren’t just lectures; they are part of a bigger, consistent movement to get girls and boys to see themselves in professional roles often perceived as unreachable.
Ronke Akeredolu, chairperson of the SWAN Career Talk Committee, reminded attendees that this mission has deep roots.
“We’ve been committed to the development of the girl-child since 1978. And it’s not just about girls it’s about giving every student a fair shot at greatness.”
The crowd listened intently as Akeredolu outlined how early guidance can equip students for national relevance and global competitiveness.
Her passion echoed SWAN’s legacy established over four decades ago to champion women in finance and build ethical leadership in accounting.
Beyond Numbers: Accounting as a Tool for Life
Dr. Obigbemi Imoleayo, from the University of Lagos, delivered a heartfelt lecture,
breaking down how accounting touches every part of life from managing household budgets to building multinational corporations.
She made it personal, urging the students to look within:
“Self-discovery is the first step toward a successful life. You are the choice you make today so choose wisely.”
Dr. Imoleayo emphasized that accounting is not just for those “good at math”. It’s a discipline of responsibility, organization, and service values that cut across all aspects of modern life.
Her talk left a strong impression, especially on students who had never considered themselves fit for the financial world.
Four Ds to Succeed: What It Takes to Be a Chartered Accountant
From another speaker, a member of ICAN’s Governing Council, came a practical yet motivational framework:
Desire, Determination, Dedication, and Discipline the “Four Ds” every aspiring accountant needs.
She described the modern accountant as a multi-skilled leader fluent in IT, excellent in communication, and critical to decision-making in both public and private sectors.
“This is not just about keeping books. It’s about becoming leaders who shape economies and influence change.”
The students were then introduced to ICAN’s examination pathways, including the Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) and the Professional Route after tertiary education clear, attainable roadmaps for anyone determined to pursue the field.
Mentorship as a Lifeline: Why It Matters in Secondary School
Why focus on students this young? Because career habits are formed early.
Without guidance, many students drift influenced by social media, peer pressure, or misinformation.
Ozoh didn’t mince words:
“Without the right knowledge, a child may wander and miss their destiny. That’s why we insist on starting early.”
This resonates in today’s Nigeria, where many youths feel lost in the noise of unemployment, limited access to mentorship, and poor career counseling in public schools.
SWAN’s approach fills this gap with intentional, compassionate engagement that allows students to ask real questions and get real answers from people who’ve walked the path.
Reflections from the Students: Eyes Opened, Dreams Unlocked
“I never thought accounting could be this powerful,” said Joseph, a student from Boys Academy. “Now, I want to learn more and maybe become an auditor.”
Chioma, a JSS3 student from Girls Senior Academy, shared her newfound clarity:
“I always thought accounting was boring. But now I see it’s about planning, control, and even helping businesses grow. I want to do that.”
The emotional and intellectual transformation was visible and deeply moving.
Community Support and Lasting Impact
The success of the event wasn’t only due to SWAN. Support poured in from school administrators, Queen Mothers, ICAN officials, and volunteer speakers.
Their collective effort made the program feel like a community mission not a corporate seminar.
Mr. Adetunji Buraimo, Vice Principal of Boys Senior Academy, summed it up perfectly:
“This was not just a career talk. It was a life-changing opportunity. Many of our students are now seeing possibilities they never imagined.”
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Legacy and Vision: What SWAN Is Building
Founded in 1978 by Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Adegite, SWAN continues to expand its influence beyond Lagos with a national footprint of mentorship, empowerment, and advocacy for professional women.
The organization’s goal is not just to build accountants, but to build ethical, empowered citizens.
By reaching into classrooms and igniting curiosity, SWAN is writing a new story one where every Nigerian student, regardless of background or gender, knows that success is within reach.
Career Guidance as Nation Building
In a country with rising youth unemployment and low career direction in schools, mentorship is more than a social program it’s nation building.
Thanks to SWAN, hundreds of students are now thinking differently about their future with clearer goals, stronger confidence,
and a deeper understanding of how to align their talents with real-world opportunities.
Join the Conversation
What profession first inspired you when you were in school?
Were you ever mentored by someone who changed your perspective?
Share your story in the comments below or tag us on social media using #InspireWithSWAN.
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