HOW was growing up in Ibadan?
Yes, I grew up in Ibadan. I went to school in Ibadan. We are five children and growing up was really fun. I was the last girl. Being the last girl, I was daddy’s girl. He was very clever. My dad was a civil servant. We were not rich, but just an average family.
As ‘Daddy’s girl’, what were those privileges enjoyed?
I wouldn’t say I got special privileges, but rather, I got away with some things that my siblings couldn’t. They used to push me to daddy anytime they wanted something. They would say, ‘Tayo! You are the one we will send to Daddy.’
What informed your career ambition while growing up?
I wanted to study Economics at the University of Ibadan. But for some reasons, I think my JAMB result was the issue. At that time, you had to know someone to enter the university. It was that bad. Even if you passed, you still had to know someone. So, my mum took me to her friend, who said there was no space, but that I could put in for Sociology. So, I finished my Sociology degree, but I still had that love for figures. When I finished Sociology, I started ICAN. When I told my mother I wanted to be an Accountant, she told me about my uncle who was in an accounting firm and suggested I go and see him. So, he showed me what to do and that was how I started my journey.
At the University of Ibadan where you read Sociology, what was the experience like?
I started very early in life at age 15. The main thing then was just partying. We would gather ourselves and travel to Ife sometimes just to party. I remember one particular day I went to Abeokuta, not knowing that my parents were already heading to Ibadan on a Friday. They were living in Abeokuta at the time, but wanted to pay me a surprise visit.
I also remember a riot at my school, and, as usual, we had an off-campus party which I attended, completely unaware that my dad was coming to check on me in school. When my dad arrived, he met my friend who didn’t know what to say. So, when I got back to school, she told me my dad had come looking for me. When I eventually saw my dad after going home, he asked where I was coming from. He told me he came to my school, saw various people, and added, ‘Where you are coming from takes nine months’ (laughs). I can never forget that!
What were those traits you took from Mum and Dad?
My dad was very kind and generous, and I think I took that from him. While my mum was very strict, you could occasionally get away with some things with dad. She was a teacher.
What did life present to you when you started your Accounting journey?
I was 25 years old when I started my ICAN journey. It was really tough because at that time you had five papers and had to pass all of them at once. But, as God would have it, I qualified. I also got married along the line.
How did you meet your partner?
His cousin and I were sent to audit at NNPC as accountants, and when we were done, she said her cousin would come and pick us up. When the cousin arrived, we got into his car and he said, ‘Oh, when would I see you again?’ I was like, ‘Why do you want to see me?’ So, that was how we met.
What made you give him a ‘Yes’ eventually?
I found out that he was very smart. My husband still teaches our grandchildren mathematics. We became good friends, and beyond that, he would always discuss life issues intelligently.
Looking back, is there anything you would have loved to do differently?
No regrets at all.
What makes you give thanks to God?
My family, my children, and my grandchildren.
What made you leave Nigeria for the UK?
At that time, education in Nigeria was not doing well-I don’t know about now-and students were sitting at home for up to a year. So, I felt I didn’t have the resources to send them abroad. I thought, why don’t we travel together and look for work? I knew if we didn’t go when we were supposed to, it would become much harder later. So, that was why I left Nigeria for the UK.
When would you say things started changing differently?
I would say I am one of the few lucky ones. If you were not doing very well in the country you were coming from, they would not give you a visa. I don’t think they do it that way anymore; perhaps it is restructured under a different scheme now. Back then, it was a point-based system where they evaluated what you were earning and your years of experience before applying. You had to earn a certain number of points before they finally gave you a visa. When I arrived, there was no job right away and I didn’t know what to do. Eventually, I got a job with Barclaycard, where my work involved chasing people for payment. Before I got that job, I was looking for work everywhere, but they were requesting UK experience which I did not have. Luckily, I met an accountant who told me I could come in a few times a week. So, that was what I was doing until a family friend introduced the currency exchange business to me.
God has been so merciful to you. Hence, how have you been giving back?
I am very active in church. I serve as the Financial Secretary in church, and in the ICAN UK District Society, I am the Chairman. So, that is my little way of giving back.
As the new chairman of ICAN UK, what do you intend to do differently?
Thank you for that question. I want to see our members do better. I see a lot of Chartered Accountants coming into the country who don’t know what steps to take next. So, one key initiative I want to drive as Chairman is a Mentorship Programme. Some established members have run their practices here for a long time and will be able to guide these young people coming in. So, we have the mentors ready.
So, how do you want to catch these mentees?
At the last meeting we had, we announced it. All they need to do is send an email to the General Secretary and we will take it up from there.
Next year is your annual conference in the UK. What are you planning to do?
A lot of things! Planning has already started; we have a venue secured and a date set. While I cannot officially state who the speakers will be yet, I am using this opportunity to call on the Nigerian Government to attend and support us. They can support us by sending delegates, and we would be happy to receive them. If anyone is interested, they should start preparing now.
Why the need to support the Institute?
The ICAN UK District is the flagship district. We have been in existence for many years. At that conference, people from all over the world usually come together to discuss and chart a better way forward for Nigeria across various sectors. It is always an excellent platform for networking. We have opportunities for sponsors and advertisers, and we are open to whoever wants to partner with us.
How do you relax?
To be honest, I have my 9-to-5 job. When I am not working, I am involved in church or ICAN activities. Otherwise, I am relaxing with my family.
What would you love to be remembered for?
As someone who made a real impact in people’s lives. When people hear the name Tayo, I want them to smile and speak of the amazing things the Almighty God has done through me.