By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The second day of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria’s (ANAN) engagement in Katsina State was marked by a blend of academic enlightenment, youth mentorship, and royal diplomacy, as the delegation led by its National President, Chief Hajiya Zuwairat Talatu Kishimi, FCNA, deepened professional and cultural ties in the region.
The day began with an impactful lecture series at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, where students from the Department of Accounting and selected secondary schools participated in a mentoring session led by prominent figures in Nigeria’s accountancy sector.
In his welcome remarks, the Katsina State Chairman of ANAN, Shu’aibu Aliyu, emphasized the initiative’s goal of introducing young minds to the accounting profession early on. For the first time, students from commercial colleges in Mai’adua and Charanci were included in the programme.
“This engagement is a strategic move to build awareness and inspire future accountants at an early stage,” Aliyu stated.
In her keynote address, Hajiya Talatu Kishimi outlined ANAN’s mission, describing it as a wholly Nigerian-led professional body built on discipline, integrity, and educational excellence.
“Our vision is to position ANAN as a leading global brand in professional accountancy through structured training and ethical practice,” she said.
She also explained ANAN’s multi-tiered training approach, which includes the Nigerian College of Accountancy and the newly established ANAN University — both of which ensure members are thoroughly prepared before certification.
The academic session featured two in-depth lectures delivered by respected professionals.
Prof. Luka Mailafia spoke on “The Role of ANAN in Advancing the Science of Accountancy”, highlighting how ANAN has revolutionized accountancy in Nigeria through its commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice.
“ANAN is more than a certifying body. It is a thought leader in the field, setting standards for professional development,” he remarked, encouraging students to uphold ethical values and embrace continuous learning.
Standing in for Dr. Salisu L. Ladan, FCNA, FCESA, Prof. Mailafia also delivered a lecture titled “The Emergence of ANAN as a World-Class Professional Body.” He traced ANAN’s evolution since its chartering in 1993, spotlighting its regulatory authority and emphasis on professional, technical, and legal competencies.
“To succeed as an accountant, you must be trained, licensed, and continuously updated — all of which ANAN provides under one umbrella,” he said.
Courtesy Visits to Katsina and Daura Royal Palaces
Following the lecture series, the ANAN leadership paid a royal courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Dr Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR, who commended the Association for its role in promoting professionalism and national development through ethical standards and education.
Later in the day, the delegation visited the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Farooq Umar, CON, where discussions centred on accountability in governance, youth empowerment, and the relevance of accountants in advancing public trust and transparency.
As part of its cultural diplomacy, the ANAN team toured notable heritage sites, including the Gobarau Minaret, a centuries-old Islamic learning centre in Katsina, and the Kusugu Well in Daura, which holds historic ties to the founding legend of the Hausa people.
The activities are a prelude to the third session of the 2025 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, July 8, at the Continental Event and Sports Centre in Katsina. Themed “Taxation and Regulatory Compliance,” the MCPD will provide a platform for updating members on best practices in taxation, audit, and public finance.
With more than 59,000 members nationwide and abroad, and affiliations with global bodies such as IFAC, PAFA, and ABWA, ANAN continues to position itself as a world-class professional accountancy organisation. Through its strong emphasis on education, mentorship, and ethics, the Association is shaping the next generation of financial professionals in Nigeria and beyond.
