Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has once again demonstrated its academic resilience as its representatives emerged first runner-up at the prestigious AccounTech 2025 Summit Quiz Challenge in Lagos. The brilliant performance of the OAU team earned the institution a cash prize of ₦1 million, adding another feather to its cap of academic achievements.
The summit, which spanned two days, brought together students, young graduates, and industry professionals to test their knowledge in accounting, technology, and finance. OAU’s three-member team, comprising Damilare Obatola, Elizabeth Obadofin, and Samson Adetunji, impressed both the judges and audience with their depth of knowledge and quick responses, despite stiff competition from other top Nigerian universities.
Day One of the summit, held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, was filled with keynote addresses, high-level discussions, and exhibitions. The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, delivered the opening keynote on “Tax Policy in a Digital Economy.” Other panelists, including Dr. Timi Olubiyi and Mrs. Folashade Adebayo, shared expert insights on how Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Data Analytics are reshaping the accounting profession in Africa.
The day also featured several exhibitions from technology companies, showcasing cutting-edge accounting software and digital finance solutions designed to simplify business operations. These innovations attracted the attention of students and professionals alike, as they demonstrated how the accounting world is rapidly moving toward full digital integration.
Day Two, Friday, August 29, 2025, provided the much-anticipated quiz challenge that saw OAU secure the runner-up position. The competition tested participants on diverse topics, ranging from tax reforms and financial technology to corporate governance and global accounting standards. Alongside the quiz, the Africa AccounTech Sector Report was launched by Prof. Chris Ogbechie, Dean of Lagos Business School. The report highlighted the rising importance of digital solutions in Africa’s financial sector and the need for more young professionals to embrace innovation.
Speaking after the contest, Samson Adetunji, one of the OAU contestants and a fresh graduate, expressed his belief that technology is no longer the future but the present reality of accounting. He explained that digital tools are already transforming the profession by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing analysis, and strengthening transparency through blockchain technology. His remarks reflected the growing sentiment that accountants must adapt quickly to remain relevant.
Another contestant, Damilare Obatola, shared that the summit reinforced his conviction that accounting plays a vital role in business growth, particularly in supporting SMEs across Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of moving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations beyond compliance to becoming an integral part of business strategies. According to him, the summit’s repeated references to ESG highlighted how the profession is now tied to broader developmental goals.
Elizabeth Obadofin and her teammates echoed similar sentiments, describing the summit as an eye-opening opportunity to connect classroom theories with real-world applications. They noted that engaging with industry leaders provided them with insights into career development and exposed them to trends that would shape the next decade of finance and technology.
For many students in attendance, including Abdullahi Abdulsalam, a part-four accounting undergraduate, the event provided networking opportunities that exceeded expectations. Abdullahi explained that his direct interactions with professionals at the summit gave him clarity on career directions and a stronger sense of purpose, something he described as “more valuable than any textbook could provide.”
The performance of OAU at the summit underscores the university’s legacy of academic excellence and adaptability to modern challenges. It is a reflection of how the institution prepares its graduates to navigate global disruptions, particularly in professions increasingly shaped by technology. By excelling in such competitions, OAU continues to affirm its role as a pacesetter in higher education.
Beyond the quiz challenge, the AccounTech 2025 Summit also served as a hub of innovation, policy discussions, and mentorship. By bringing together policymakers, professionals, and students, the event highlighted the interconnectedness of education, technology, and practice in shaping Africa’s financial landscape. For OAU, its performance at the competition was not just about the ₦1 million prize but about reinforcing the institution’s place at the forefront of intellectual and professional development.
With this milestone, OAU cements its reputation as a hub of academic brilliance, innovative thinking, and future-ready graduates. The university’s success at AccounTech 2025 demonstrates once again that it remains a beacon of intellectual excellence in Nigeria’s higher education sector, inspiring both current students and alumni to pursue greatness.
