Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has once again proven its academic strength as its representatives emerged as first runner-up at the prestigious AccounTech 2025 Summit Quiz Challenge, held in Lagos, securing a cash prize of ₦1 million.
The competition, which formed part of the two-day AccounTech Summit, brought together students, young graduates, and professionals to test their knowledge of accounting, technology, and finance in the digital age. The OAU team, represented by Damilare Obatola, Elizabeth Obadofin, and Samson Adetunji, distinguished itself in the keenly contested challenge, competing against peers from other leading institutions across Nigeria.
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Day One: Opening, Keynotes and Quiz Challenge
The summit opened on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, with welcome remarks from the organisers of the AccounTech Network. The first keynote address was delivered by Honouradle Olalekan Afeez Balogun, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Economic Planning and Budget. He spoke on ‘The Convergence of Innovation and Responsibility: Building a Tech-Driven Sustainable Finance Ecosystem.’ The day also featured a panel session and exhibitions from tech companies showcasing new accounting software and digital finance solutions. In addition, the first day also featured the quiz challenge.
Day Two: Quiz Challenge Outcome and Sector Report
The second day, Thursday, August 28, 2025, was more interactive. It featured the AccounTech Quiz Challenge result announcement, where OAU clinched the first runner-up position, earning ₦1 million. Another highlight was the launch of the Africa AccounTech Sector Report, unveiled by Prof. Chris Ogbechie, Dean of Lagos Business School, which provided insights into the role of technology in Africa’s financial future.
Speaking after the contest, Samson Adetunji, one of the OAU contestants and a fresh graduate, emphasised the importance of technology in shaping the future of accounting. ‘Technology is not just the future of accounting because it is already here, actively transforming the profession. It streamlines repetitive tasks, enhances analysis and decision-making, and, with blockchain, makes systems more secure, transparent, and accessible in real time,’ he said.
Adetunji further noted that, as a fresh graduate, he is committed to equipping himself with digital skills to bridge the gap between theory and practice. ‘I aim to be part of the teams that drive digital transformation in the accounting field while ensuring that ethical principles remain at the heart of the profession,’ he added.
Damilare Obatola shared that one of his biggest takeaways from the summit was a strong belief that accounting is the heart of businesses. It highlighted how essential our profession is in helping millions of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) grow across Nigeria. Another important insight was the need to move the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) conversation beyond simple compliance. We should start embedding it into business strategy. This viewpoint came up several times and really resonated with me,” he added. The other OAU contestants, also fresh graduates, echoed similar thoughts, noting that the summit gave them valuable exposure to industry leaders and real-world applications of what they studied.
Abdullahi Abdulsalam, a part-four student who was at the event, added that he had the opportunity to engage personally with some industry experts. He also claimed that the event provided him with stronger connections and career advice than he had hoped for, making the experience more impactful than expected.
The OAU team’s achievement at AccounTech 2025 highlights not only the university’s tradition of academic excellence but also the readiness of its graduates to embrace the technological disruptions redefining the accounting profession.
The AccounTech Summit 2025, attended by top policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators, featured keynote speeches, panel sessions, product showcases, and the launch of the first-ever Africa AccounTech Sector Report. The Quiz Challenge stood out as a platform to celebrate young talents who represent the future of finance and technology on the continent.
With this remarkable performance, OAU continues to cement its reputation as a breeding ground for intellectual excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.