The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world’s leading professional body for management accountants, has called on Nigeria’s growing youth population to pursue finance and business education to power the country’s economic development.
In a statement on Thursday, CIMA highlighted the diverse career opportunities within the finance and business sectors, noting that such paths provide significant benefits for individuals, including skill development, enhanced leadership potential, and access to meaningful, future-focused professional opportunities.
Stephen Flatman, Vice President of Education and Professional Qualifications, Management Accounting at CIMA, emphasised the importance of equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills. He said, “With Nigeria’s young population entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers, equipping them with business and finance skills is essential. It ensures they can become resilient professionals, capable of transforming challenges into opportunities and contributing meaningfully to the country’s future development.
“The CGMA Professional Qualification is an ideal pathway for young Nigerians looking to build a career in business and finance. Recognised globally, it equips individuals with skills in finance, management, strategy, and technology, enabling them to guide
strategic decision-making, deliver long-term value creation, and drive sustainable growth. By becoming CGMA qualified, they develop the skills, competencies, and mindset that modern employers value most, helping individuals stand out in competitive job markets.”The CGMA Professional Qualification comprises three levels—Operational, Management, and Strategic—culminating in a capstone case study exam that simulates real-world business scenarios. Its syllabus combines accounting, finance, and management knowledge with essential leadership skills, covering strategy, performance and financial management, resource allocation, corporate reporting, risk management, and sustainability. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across sectors, including finance, marketing, IT, operations,
sustainability, and business management.
Flatman added, “For young people who have just completed senior secondary education and those eager to build a career in business and finance, the CGMA Professional Qualification is a powerful stepping stone. It provides the skills, confidence, and global recognition needed
to turn their ambition into success.” Founded in 1919, CIMA has members and candidates operating in more than 150 countries and territories, reflecting its global influence in shaping finance and management professionals.
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