From Lagos Classrooms to U.S. Distinction, Nigerian Lady Triumphs with Master’s in Accounting at Bentley University

Bolaji Osedahunsi, a tenacious and visionary Nigerian scholar, has graduated with a Master’s degree in Accounting with distinction from Bentley University’s McCallum Graduate School of Business in Massachusetts, USA—an accomplishment that crowns years of relentless academic pursuit, personal sacrifice, and unwavering faith. 

Her academic journey began in Nigeria, where she studied Accounting Education at Lagos State University (LASU). 

A naturally gifted student, Bolaji graduated in 2016 with a First-Class Honours degree, earning recognition as the best student in her department—a feat that set the tone for her future ambitions. 

In 2020, driven by a thirst for deeper expertise and professional credibility, she returned to LASU to pursue a diploma in Accounting. 

Once again, her diligence shone through as she completed the program with distinction in 2022. 

That same year marked another major breakthrough: 

Bolaji passed the rigorous qualifying examinations to become a Chartered Accountant, and she was formally inducted into the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)—a significant achievement that validated years of hard work and sharpened her technical acumen. 

Yet, Bolaji knew her journey wasn’t over. Later in 2022, she made the courageous decision to move to the United States alone to further her education. 

Stepping into unfamiliar territory thousands of miles from home, she faced new challenges—from navigating cultural differences and academic demands to juggling multiple campus jobs just to make ends meet. 

Despite moments of self-doubt and financial pressure, she pressed forward. Bolaji described her time at Bentley University as intensely challenging yet incredibly rewarding. 

She credited her success to a mix of resilience, strong community support, and deep spiritual grounding, emphasizing that she often leaned on faith when strength seemed to run low. 

“I walked into this journey scared, unsure, and alone,” she shared on LinkedIn. 

“But I’ve come out stronger, bolder, and surrounded by people who believed in me.” 

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her professors for their mentorship, to her classmates who became like family, and to the supportive campus community that helped her thrive. 

For Bolaji, her recent graduation isn’t just a personal win—it’s a symbol of what is possible when courage meets preparation, and when dreams are backed by action, even in the face of uncertainty. 

“This is more than just a certificate—it’s a testament to courage, faith, and the power of persistence,” she reflected. 

Now, with international experience and academic excellence under her belt, Bolaji plans to use her knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the accounting profession both in Nigeria and globally—especially in areas that promote transparency, ethics, and financial inclusion.