NSUK, ICAN Move to Integrate Professional Accounting Qualifications into University Curriculum

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), is taking steps to strengthen professional accounting education and improve graduate employability through a proposed strategic partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The proposed collaboration emerged during a courtesy visit by ICAN President, Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, FCA, and her delegation to the university, where they were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman.

Discussions centred on integrating ICAN professional courses into the university's accounting curriculum, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and establishing an Accounting Technicians Scheme, West Africa (ATSWA) examination centre at the institution ahead of the March 2027 examination diet.

Under the proposed arrangement, ICAN's professional syllabus would be incorporated into NSUK's Accounting and related academic programmes. This would enable students to pursue their university degrees alongside professional accounting qualifications, potentially benefiting from exemptions of up to the Skills level of ICAN's professional examinations.

The initiative is expected to shorten the period required for graduates to obtain professional certification and improve their competitiveness in the labour market.

The proposed ATSWA examination centre would also provide examination opportunities for students of NSUK and other institutions across Nasarawa State, including the College of Agriculture, Lafia, College of Education, Akwanga, Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, and secondary school students.

With the centre in Keffi, candidates would have reduced dependence on examination facilities in Abuja and Jos, potentially positioning NSUK as a major hub for professional accounting education in the North-Central region.

For Nasarawa State, the partnership is expected to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of strengthening financial management, public sector accountability and transparency.

The initiative could also help address the shortage of professionally qualified accountants across government ministries, local government administrations and private organisations in the state.

By providing professional accounting training locally, the arrangement is expected to reduce the financial burden on parents and students who currently travel to other cities for ICAN tuition and examinations. It could also stimulate economic activities in Keffi through increased demand for accommodation, educational services and other businesses.

The university is also expected to benefit through improved academic competitiveness, stronger professional accreditation prospects, increased student enrolment and additional internally generated revenue from professional training programmes and related activities.

For academic staff, the proposed collaboration could create opportunities for professional development, ICAN certification, continuing professional education, research collaborations and consultancy engagements in areas such as forensic accounting, taxation, public financial management and auditing.

Lecturers could also participate in professional examination activities, including teaching, moderation and examination marking.

Students, however, stand to be among the biggest beneficiaries of the initiative. Integrating professional accounting training into their degree programmes could enable them to complete significant portions of the ICAN qualification requirements before graduation, saving time and reducing the additional financial commitments associated with pursuing professional certification after university.

The arrangement is also expected to improve their employment prospects in financial institutions, accounting firms, government agencies and other organisations where professional accounting qualifications are highly valued.

The partnership could further provide students with opportunities to pursue professional careers earlier and develop the skills required for entrepreneurship and financial independence.

The proposed collaboration aligns with the Vice-Chancellor's ambition to position NSUK as a competitive institution offering academic qualifications alongside relevant professional competencies.

ICAN President, Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, had emphasised the importance of professional integrity, accountability and confidence in the accounting profession.

The proposed partnership is therefore expected to promote these values among students from the early stages of their academic training.

The initiative, once formalised and implemented, could strengthen the relationship between university education and professional practice while expanding access to accounting qualifications in Nasarawa State and neighbouring states.