From Auditor to ICAN President: Profile of Haruna Yahaya

Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, a respected voice in Nigeria’s accounting and financial landscape, has been officially sworn in as the 61st President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

His appointment represents not just a personal achievement but the continuation of a distinguished legacy built on service, transparency, and an unyielding commitment to excellence in public financial management.

Background

Born into Nigeria’s Hausa tribe, Yahaya’s academic path reflects his unwavering commitment to continuous learning and cross-disciplinary growth.

He began his formal education in accounting at Bayero University, Kano, graduating in 1986.

Demonstrating a forward-thinking mindset, he pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1989 an unusual but strategic blend of finance and technology.

In 1999, Yahaya further solidified his management credentials with an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later capped it off with the prestigious Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in 2018, honing his capabilities in policy formulation and strategic leadership.

Entrepreneurial excellence

Yahaya’s passion for service led to the founding of Haruna Yahaya & Co. in 2001, a chartered accounting and tax consultancy firm that has grown into one of Nigeria’s top ten accounting firms, with offices in Minna, Abuja, Kaduna, and Lagos.

Under his guidance, the firm became a member of MGI Worldwide, a global network of independent audit, tax, and accounting firms, reflecting its commitment to international standards.

Pioneering transparency in extractive industries

One of Yahaya’s landmark contributions is his role in promoting accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sectors.

His firm was the first to conduct audits in the solid minerals and oil & gas sectors under the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

This pioneering work has significantly boosted transparency and good governance in resource management—areas often plagued by opacity.

Longstanding commitment to ICAN

Yahaya’s involvement with ICAN spans over a decade of active leadership. Since joining the Governing Council in 2011, he has served in numerous roles, including Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and committee member.

These positions prepared him for his current leadership as President, where he is poised to further the institute’s mission of maintaining professional excellence and ethical standards in the accounting industry.

Achievements

Beyond ICAN and his firm, Yahaya’s influence stretches into various sectors. He holds board positions in:

Edusoko University

Suleja Smart City Company Ltd

Niger State Water and Sewage Corporation

Edumana Micro Finance Bank Ltd** – where he has served as Chairman since 2012.

His strategic insight and governance acumen make him a valued contributor across educational, technological, financial, and infrastructure sectors.

Professional affiliations

Yahaya’s global exposure includes executive programs at Harvard University and Euromoney Training, London, experiences that have equipped him with a robust international perspective on finance, leadership, and economic strategy.

His insights blend local expertise with global best practices—critical for navigating today’s complex financial landscape.

Advocacy

A firm believer in character and competence, Yahaya has consistently championed ethical conduct and professional development.

As a former Vice President of ICAN and Chair of the Association ofj Accounting Technicians West Africa (AATWA) Executive Committee, he has mentored countless young professionals and advocated for continuous education and ethical rigor in accountancy.