CIMA urges school leavers, career changers to consider business, finance career

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, has encouraged Nigerian school leavers and those seeking a career change to explore opportunities in business and finance. These career paths provide wide-ranging benefits for individuals – from building new skills and strengthening their leadership potential to opening doors to meaningful, futurefocused professional opportunities.

If properly harnessed, this potential could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s economic future. As a country with a high youthful population, Nigeria stands to gain significantly from a workforce capable of driving innovation and productivity. To achieve this, young Nigerians need access to professional education that empowers them to create businesses, innovate, and ultimately fuel the economy of Africa’s largest nation.

Stephen Flatman, vice president, Education and Professional Qualifications, Management Accounting at CIMA, 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 business and finance 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, the qualification 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 consists of three levels – Operational, Management and Strategic – culminating in a capstone Case Study exam that simulates realworld business scenarios. The syllabus blends accounting, finance and management content with essential business leadership skills and competencies. It covers areas such as strategy, performance and financial management, resource allocation, corporate reporting, risk management and sustainability, preparing individuals for a wide range of roles across sectors, including finance, marketing, IT, operations, sustainability, and business management.

To keep pace with the rapid transformation of business, CIMA continually reviews and updates the syllabus to reflect the changing demands placed on business and finance professionals. The latest upgrade is designed to prepare students for the future of work and help them become high-performance finance business partners capable of utilising technology, supporting corporate sustainability, and applying critical thinking skills.

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.”

The CGMA Professional Qualification offers flexibility for individuals at different stages of their professional journeys. Young people who have just completed senior secondary education can begin at the Certificate level, while graduates and degree holders may enter directly into the Professional levels. Regardless of the starting point, the qualification provides opportunities for ambitious individuals to build their dream careers in business and finance.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date