Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has called on accountants and finance professionals across the country to retool and embrace emerging technologies to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists on the sideline of the ongoing 55th Annual Accountants Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadri, emphasised that the accounting profession must adapt to new realities such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and fintech-driven solutions that are reshaping global finance.
He said, “Everybody needs to upskill themselves. You have to retool; I’m retooling myself. What we were taught in school is not enough anymore. Professionals must now learn cloud skills, artificial intelligence, IT, cybersecurity — those are what will define the future of accounting.”
He added that MTN remains committed to supporting academic institutions and students through technical development initiatives designed to improve their capacity and employability. He said, “It makes sense to support the Institute as part of capacity building because it provides an opportunity for students to improve technically and be relevant in today’s age.”
He also reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to digital transformation and professional capacity building within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. According to him, MTN’s sponsorship of the ICAN conference aligns with its vision to empower professionals with the digital tools and infrastructure required for efficiency and innovation.
“At MTN, we believe that the future of every profession, accounting inclusive, is digital. Our partnership with ICAN is a demonstration of our support for Nigeria’s journey toward a smarter economy. Accountants are strategic to national development, and we want to ensure they are not left behind as technology transforms business operations,” he said.
He added that MTN will continue to invest in capacity-building initiatives, digital infrastructure, and enterprise solutions to support industries transitioning into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
On the evolving role of AI in finance, the ICAN official explained that while artificial intelligence simplifies processes and enhances accuracy, it cannot replace human judgment. “AI will simplify things, but you still need to exercise judgment. AI can help with processes and cut down review time, but it cannot provide human experience. Professionals must learn how to interpret AI outputs and not rely blindly on it,” he cautioned.
Also speaking at the event, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, said that Nigeria must strengthen its institutional and economic foundations to withstand the pressures of reform, inflation, and uncertainty.
Delivering his welcome address, Yahaya described the event as more than just a professional gathering but a national call to action — a platform to “deepen Nigeria’s roots” and shape pathways for sustainable growth.
For six decades, he noted, ICAN has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic evolution by setting standards, mentoring professionals, and providing intellectual platforms where ideas have translated into policies and reforms that have influenced governance and economic discourse both locally and internationally.
Speaking on the theme, “Building Resilience – Aligning Reforms for Nigeria’s Development,” Yahaya said the conversations at this year’s conference are designed to address structural and institutional barriers that continue to limit the nation’s progress.
