Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first indigenous chartered accountant, dies at 104. He pioneered Nigeria’s accounting profession and was instrumental in developing the country’s financial sector.
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Born in 1919, he studied accounting at the University of London and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1947. He returned to Nigeria and later set up his accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co., now Deloitte & Touche, in 1952.
Williams was also a strong advocate for developing the accounting profession in Nigeria. He was a founding member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and was president from 1963 to 1965. He was also a member of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors.
Williams received many awards and honours, including the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). He was also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Williams was born to a wealthy family in Lagos on August 9, 1919. He attended Olowogbowo Methodist Primary School and CMS Grammar School in Lagos. 1941 he was awarded a Diploma in Commerce from the Yaba Higher College.
In 1944, Williams went to the United Kingdom to study accounting. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of London in 1946 and passed the final examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1950.
Williams was also a pioneer in the development of the Nigerian capital market. He was a founding member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and served on its board of directors for many years.
In addition to his business career, Williams was also active in public service. He served as chairman of the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commissioners, the Coker Commission of Inquiry, and the Lagos State Government Revenue Collection Panel. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the Commonwealth Foundation and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
Williams received numerous awards and honours, including the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was also named a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Williams was a true pioneer and a national builder. He was a man of great vision and determination and made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria. He will be remembered as a giant in the accounting profession and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Williams was married to Efuntiloye Mabel Williams and had children.
Some of his notable quotes include:
“Accountancy is a profession that demands high ethical standards.”
“The accountant is the conscience of the business world.”
“The Nigerian capital market has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth.”
“Public service is a noble calling.”
“We must all play our part in nation-building.”
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