The gold standard for the accounting profession in Nigeria is the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1965, ICAN has continued to oversee the accountancy profession in Nigeria for over sixty years.
In 2026, ICAN continues to improve and develop by welcoming the 61st President, Mallam Haruna N. Yahaya, mni, Ph.D., FCA, and introducing new initiatives like a first and only amnesty for documentation of audit training.
Are you a future student or graduate with the intention of starting a career in accountancy? Are you a member of ICAN in need of digital services? Either way, this guide has got you covered on everything you need to know about ICAN for the year 2026.
The digital services, the cost of registration, the estimated time to study and the membership pathways along with the ICAN upcoming events for the year 2026 will be discussed in this guide.
Also see:Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) – Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS)
What is ICAN?
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is the first and only legally established professional accountancy body and regulatory authority of the accounting profession in Nigeria.
Key Facts About ICAN:
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1965 (Act of Parliament No. 15 of 1965) |
| Current President | Mallam Haruna N. Yahaya, mni, Ph.D., FCA (61st President) |
| Founding Members | 250 members |
| Current Membership | Over 35,000 members |
| Regulatory Role | One of two professional accountancy associations with regulatory authority in Nigeria |
ICAN’s Mission Statement
ICAN’s mission is “to produce world-class chartered accountants, regulate and continuously enhance their ethical standards and technical competence in the public interest”
Key Functions of ICAN
Under its establishing Act, ICAN is empowered to:
- Determine the standards of knowledge and skill required for membership in the accountancy profession
- Raise those standards as circumstances permit
- Regulate the conduct of members
- Accredit educational institutions and training programmes
Recent Developments for 2026
With the inauguration of the 61st President Mallam Haruna N. Yahaya, a new era has commenced for ICAN and the new theme for the presidential year is ICAN @ 60 – Powering a New Era of Integrity and Innovation.
In January of 2026, ICAN also granted a one-time amnesty to the membership for the opportunity to complete and submit evidence of the compulsory 36 months of audit training, which provides some respite for accountants who had not fulfilled this requirement on time in previous years.
ICAN Portal: Digital Access for Students and Members
ICAN has fully digitised its operations through multiple online portals. Understanding which portal to use for different purposes is essential.
Overview of ICAN Portals
| Portal Type | URL | Purpose |
| Student Portal | https://icanig.org/students | Exam registration, results checking, student profile management |
| Members Portal | https://icanig.org | Membership profile, CPD tracking, subscription payments |
| ICAN Website | https://www.icanig.org | General information, news, events, directories |
| Payment Portal | https://www.icanonline-ngr.com/paydirect | Fee payments via PAYDIRECT |
ICAN Student Portal: icanig.org/students
The ICAN Student Portal (accessible at https://icanig.org/students) is the primary digital platform for all ICAN students .
What You Can Do on the Student Portal
- Register as a new student (Professional or AAT pathway)
- Register for ICAN examinations (January and May diets)
- Check examination results immediately after release
- View examination schedules and timetables
- Access study materials and past questions
- Update personal information
- Pay registration and examination fees
- Download examination dockets
- Track your academic progress
How to Access the ICAN Student Portal
- Visit https://icanig.org/students
- Click “Register” if you are a new user
- Complete the registration form with your personal details
- Create a secure password (combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters)
- Verify your email address via the confirmation link sent to your inbox
- Log in using your credentials
ICAN Student Login
Once you have registered, returning students can log in directly using their registration number and password at the same portal address.
ICAN Membership Portal: For Existing Members
For those who have completed the ICAN examination process and been inducted, the ICAN Membership Portal provides ongoing professional services .
What You Can Do on the Membership Portal
- Update your member profile (contact information, employment details)
- Pay annual subscription fees
- Track Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours
- Access member-only resources
- Register for conferences and training events
- Download membership certificates
- Reset forgotten passwords
How to Set Up Your Membership Portal Account
Newly inducted members must follow this process to set up their portal record:
- Visit the ICAN website at www.icanig.org
- Click on “Members Portal”
- Click on “Register”
- Follow the instructions to create a new account
- Click “Login” to access your dashboard
- Update your profile by clicking “EDIT” and saving changes
ICAN Website: icanig.org
The main ICAN website at https://www.icanig.org serves as the central hub for information about the Institute
How Much Does ICAN Cost?
One of the most common questions from prospective students is about the cost of ICAN registration and membership. Below is a breakdown of current fees as of 2026.
ICAN Examination and Registration Fees
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost (₦) | Notes |
| Student Registration Fee | ~₦15,000 – ₦25,000 | One-time initial registration |
| Examination Fees (per level) | ~₦20,000 – ₦35,000 | Varies by level (Foundation, Skills, Professional) |
| Exemption Fees | Variable | For those with relevant degrees |
| AAT Registration | ~₦10,000 – ₦15,000 | Accounting Technicians pathway |
ICAN Membership Induction Fee
| Fee Type | Amount (₦) |
| Induction Fee | ₦150,000 |
Note: Previous sources indicated ₦121,000 as the induction fee, but current 2026 estimates place it at ₦150,000—always confirm on the official ICAN portal before payment .
Additional Costs to Consider
- Study Materials: Textbooks, past questions, and revision packs (₦50,000 – ₦150,000 depending on level)
- Tuition Fees (optional): If you choose to attend ICAN-accredited study centres
- Annual Subscription Fees: For existing members (varies by membership grade)
- Training Documentation Fee: ₦20,000 for practice attachment registration (under the 2026 amnesty programme)
How to Pay ICAN Fees
All ICAN fees can be paid through:
- PAYDIRECT at any commercial bank in Nigeria
- Online payment via the ICAN payment portal at https://www.icanonline-ngr.com/paydirect
How Many Years Does It Take to Study ICAN?
The duration to become a Chartered Accountant through ICAN depends on your educational background and study mode (full-time or part-time). There is no single answer—it varies based on your starting point.
Path 1: Accounting Graduates (Fastest Route)
If you hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an ICAN-accredited university, you may qualify for exemptions from the Foundation level.
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
| Exemption Processing | 1-3 months | Submit transcripts and apply |
| Skills Level | 6-12 months | 2-3 examination diets |
| Professional Level | 6-12 months | 2-3 examination diets |
| Work Experience | 36 months (concurrent) | Can be completed while studying |
| Total Minimum | 2-3 years | Including concurrent work experience |
Path 2: Non-Accounting Degree Graduates
If your degree is in a non-accounting discipline, you must complete all ICAN examination levels.
| Stage | Duration |
| Foundation Level | 6-12 months |
| Skills Level | 6-12 months |
| Professional Level | 6-12 months |
| Work Experience | 48 months (concurrent) |
| Total Minimum | 3-4 years |
How Do I Register for ICAN 2026?
If you’re ready to begin your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant, here is the step-by-step process for registering for ICAN in 2026.
Step 1: Determine Your Pathway
Before registering, determine which pathway applies to you:
- Professional Pathway: For university degree holders (any discipline)
- AAT Pathway: For those without a university degree
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Passport photograph on white background
- Educational certificates (WASSCE, OND, HND, or Degree certificates)
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- Evidence of payment (when ready to pay)
Step 3: Visit the ICAN Student Portal
Go to https://icanig.org/students .
Step 4: Create an Account
- Click on “Register” for new users
- Fill in your personal information accurately
- Create a secure password (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters)
Step 5: Complete the Registration Form
- Select your preferred pathway (Professional or AAT)
- Provide your educational background
- Upload required documents
- Review all information for accuracy
Step 6: Pay Registration Fees
- Proceed to payment via PAYDIRECT at any commercial bank
- Alternatively, pay online through the payment portal
- Keep your payment receipt for reference
Step 7: Submit and Await Confirmation
- Submit your completed application
- Check your email for confirmation from ICAN
- Your student registration number will be issued upon approval
Step 8: Register for Examinations (After Registration)
Once registered as an ICAN student, you can:
- Register for the next examination diet (January or May/June)
- Select your preferred examination centre
- Pay examination fees before the deadline
ICAN Membership Application Process (After Exams)
Once you have passed all ICAN examinations and completed the required work experience, you can apply for ICAN membership.
Eligibility Requirements
| Applicant Type | Minimum Work Experience |
| Accounting Graduates | 36 months |
| Graduates of Other Disciplines | 48 months |
| AAT Graduates | 48 months |
Step-by-Step Membership Application
Step 1: Pay Induction Fee
- Pay ₦150,000 through PAYDIRECT at any commercial bank in Nigeria
Step 2: Obtain Payment Receipt
- Collect your payment receipt from the bank
- Proceed to the ICAN registration portal
Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Visit the ICAN registration portal
- Enter your deposit slip number and receipt number
- New PIN and serial numbers will be generated
- Enter your student registration number, PIN, and serial numbers
- Complete the form and upload a clear passport photograph on white background
- Submit online
Step 4: Print and Complete Hard Copy Form
- Print the completed membership form
- Have your referees sign the form
- Boldly write your ICAN final examination number on the hard copy
Step 5: Attach Required Documents
- Confirmation/attestation letters from present and previous employers (on company letterhead)
- Letters must be signed by a Partner (for practising firms) or a Chartered Accountant (for commerce/industry)
- One recent passport photograph on white background
- Certified copies of credentials (BSc/HND/AAT)—certified by one of your referees with their name and membership number
Step 6: Submit to ICAN
- Submit the completed application form to:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Plot 16, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQs
Due to high demand, we have compiled a list of the frequently asked questions by our readers to assist you further.
1. What is ICAN?
The ICAN refers to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. It is the first formal professional accounting body in Nigeria. It was established by the charter of the National Assembly that was signed into law in 1965. It has a membership of over 35,000 and is empowered by law to regulate the accounting profession in Nigeria.
2. How do I access the ICAN student portal?
You can access the ICAN student portal by visiting the official ICAN website, under the student section, where you can create a student account, book examinations, check your results and update your profile.
3. How do I access the ICAN membership portal?
To access the ICAN membership portal, visit the official ICAN website and under the membership section, you can log in or create a new account.
4. How much does ICAN cost?
The cost of ICAN membership varies with the different categories. It costs approximately ₦15,000 to register as a student with each examination costing between ₦20,000 to ₦35,000 and the membership induction fee is ₦150,000.
5. How many years does it take to study ICAN?
The answer varies with your background. It is estimated that it will take 2 to 3 years, from the time you register, to become a member of ICAN if you have a degree in accounting. If you have a degree in another discipline, it will take between 3 to 4 years. If you have completed your AAT, you can become a member of ICAN in between 4 to 5 years.
6. How do I register for ICAN 2026?
To register for ICAN for the year 2026, visit the ICAN student portal at icanig.org/students, create an account, fill in the registration form and pay the fees via PAYDIRECT. The May 2026 examinations will take place between the 19th and the 21st of that month.
7. What is the ICAN website URL?
The official ICAN website is https://www.icanig.org.
References
- ICAN Official Website. Become an ACA Member. https://icanig.org/ican/
- ICAN Official Website. Homepage & Events.
- Fasthire. (2026, March 19). How to Become an ICAN Member in Nigeria.
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