The Bursary and Accounting Department of African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja has commemorated this year’s International Accounting Day, celebrated on November 10 with a pledge to upholding the integrity of the profession.
The Bursar of the institution, Mr. Ben Okonkwo used the occasion to commend members of the department for their resilience, reminding them that they are the custodians of the noble tradition, which spans over five centuries.
The Bursar highlighted the historical significance of the day, which marks the 1494 publication of Luca Pacioli’s groundbreaking work on double-entry bookkeeping—the foundation of modern accounting.
“Pacioli’s legacy reminds us that we are custodians of a noble tradition spanning over five centuries,” the Bursar stated, describing the Italian mathematician as the ‘Father of Accounting’.
The Bursar praised the university’s finance team as “guardians of financial integrity” whose meticulous work ensures fiscal responsibility and stakeholder trust. The message emphasized the core values of accuracy, transparency, and accountability that define the profession.
He reminded them that African University of Science and Technology is a world class institution and that integrity of the profession should be combined with the academic excellence with which the institution is known for in order to produce a good result.
In his own remark, the HOD Accounting Dr Mohammed Haruna used the occasion to charge accounting students of the university to be proud of their chosen career as accountants, knowing that they are going to become guardians of financial integrity in the various organisations where they would find themselves.
“International Accounting Day is not merely a celebration of our past, but an affirmation of our present commitment to excellence and ethical financial stewardship,” the Bursar concluded, expressing pride in working alongside such dedicated professionals.
Also speaking, the Chief Internal Auditor of the University Mr. Augustine Ikeagwu advised the Finance Team to always ensure that Internal Control Systems of the university are maintained reminding them that integrity should be their watchword.
Earlier in the day, the president of the institution, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, while felicitating with the accountants through his goodwill message, praised the dedication and commitment of the team.
He encouraged them to continue to be good ambassadors of their various professional bodies.
The occasion was marked with funfair and inspirational messages to students of accounting.