Late Akintola’s Influence Goes Beyond Boardroom – ICAN

The governing council and members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) said, Pa Akintola Williams influence extended beyond the boardroom, shaping policies and institutions that continue to benefit Nigeria and Africa.

The Institute celebrated the passing on to the glory of the Doyen of Accountancy profession in Nigeria and its founding fathers of ICAN, Pa Akintola Williams at the ripe age of 104 years.

A statement sent to LEADERSHIP, stated that “Akintola transited to the great beyond on September 11, 2023. Akintola, the Doyen was a titan whose name resonates with reverence and admiration throughout Nigeria and Africa’s accountancy profession landscape.

“His meteoric rise to stardom began at the University of London, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce in 1946 after studying Banking and Finance. It is indeed historic that he was the first Chartered Accountant of African descent to qualify with The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 1949 and later a Fellow of the Institute. This singular achievement opened doors for him and countless aspiring accountants who sought to follow in his footsteps.”

It added that, “Akintola returned to Nigeria in 1950 and cut his professional teeth as an assessment officer with the Inland Revenue Board, now the Federal Inland Revenue Service. He later quit the public sector and set up the first indigenous Accounting Firm in the country in 1952, Akintola Williams & Co., now Deloitte. 

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He was a detribalized man whose firm had partners from different African countries.

“Akintola led by example, demonstrating that professionalism, ethics, and excellence should be the guiding principles of every accountant. He was also a strong force in establishing the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON). His steadfast commitment to the activities of these bodies was unparalleled till old age.

“Beyond his pioneering contributions to the accounting profession, our Doyen was a philanthropist, an advocate for education, and a catalyst for positive change. His influence extended beyond the boardroom, shaping policies and institutions that continue to benefit Nigeria and Africa.”