Estate management graduate wins EY Young Tax Professional Competition

Oluwabukola Essien, a new graduate of Estate Management from the University of Cross River State, beat over 500 contestants to emerge as the winner of this year’s EY Young Tax Professional of the Year Award (YTPY) competition. The 2026 award ceremony, which was held at the EY Lagos Office recently, had 10 finalists drawn from top universities across the country, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Covenant University, Babcock University, Pan-Atlantic University, University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Cross River State, in attendance. Akeem Ogunseni, EY Associate Partner and coordinator of the programme, providing a graphic analysis of this year’s competition, disclosed that the competition attracted 510 applications from 56 tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Following a rigorous selection process involving assessment tests, research, strategic analysis and presentations, 305 candidates were shortlisted, 122 progressed to the quarterfinals, 31 advanced to the semifinals and 10 scaled through to the grand finale. Ogunseni noted that the competition program is one of the ways EY is giving back to society, adding that EY Nigeria joined the global initiative in 2022. “The competition is dedicated to undergraduates, and the 10 finalists are all winners and a source of pride for all of them present here. Today, we usher them into a new realm. “The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global stage level, with every expense to be covered by EY. The top 5 finalists have the opportunity to undertake their internships at EY. This is all about grooming the next generation of tax leaders,” he said. The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

The 2026 award ceremony, which was held at the EY Lagos Office recently, had 10 finalists drawn from top universities across the country, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Covenant University, Babcock University, Pan-Atlantic University, University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Cross River State, in attendance. Akeem Ogunseni, EY Associate Partner and coordinator of the programme, providing a graphic analysis of this year’s competition, disclosed that the competition attracted 510 applications from 56 tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Following a rigorous selection process involving assessment tests, research, strategic analysis and presentations, 305 candidates were shortlisted, 122 progressed to the quarterfinals, 31 advanced to the semifinals and 10 scaled through to the grand finale. Ogunseni noted that the competition program is one of the ways EY is giving back to society, adding that EY Nigeria joined the global initiative in 2022. “The competition is dedicated to undergraduates, and the 10 finalists are all winners and a source of pride for all of them present here. Today, we usher them into a new realm. “The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global stage level, with every expense to be covered by EY. The top 5 finalists have the opportunity to undertake their internships at EY. This is all about grooming the next generation of tax leaders,” he said. The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

Akeem Ogunseni, EY Associate Partner and coordinator of the programme, providing a graphic analysis of this year’s competition, disclosed that the competition attracted 510 applications from 56 tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Following a rigorous selection process involving assessment tests, research, strategic analysis and presentations, 305 candidates were shortlisted, 122 progressed to the quarterfinals, 31 advanced to the semifinals and 10 scaled through to the grand finale. Ogunseni noted that the competition program is one of the ways EY is giving back to society, adding that EY Nigeria joined the global initiative in 2022. “The competition is dedicated to undergraduates, and the 10 finalists are all winners and a source of pride for all of them present here. Today, we usher them into a new realm. “The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global stage level, with every expense to be covered by EY. The top 5 finalists have the opportunity to undertake their internships at EY. This is all about grooming the next generation of tax leaders,” he said. The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

Following a rigorous selection process involving assessment tests, research, strategic analysis and presentations, 305 candidates were shortlisted, 122 progressed to the quarterfinals, 31 advanced to the semifinals and 10 scaled through to the grand finale. Ogunseni noted that the competition program is one of the ways EY is giving back to society, adding that EY Nigeria joined the global initiative in 2022. “The competition is dedicated to undergraduates, and the 10 finalists are all winners and a source of pride for all of them present here. Today, we usher them into a new realm. “The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global stage level, with every expense to be covered by EY. The top 5 finalists have the opportunity to undertake their internships at EY. This is all about grooming the next generation of tax leaders,” he said. The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

Ogunseni noted that the competition program is one of the ways EY is giving back to society, adding that EY Nigeria joined the global initiative in 2022. “The competition is dedicated to undergraduates, and the 10 finalists are all winners and a source of pride for all of them present here. Today, we usher them into a new realm. “The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global stage level, with every expense to be covered by EY. The top 5 finalists have the opportunity to undertake their internships at EY. This is all about grooming the next generation of tax leaders,” he said. The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

“The competition is dedicated to undergraduates, and the 10 finalists are all winners and a source of pride for all of them present here. Today, we usher them into a new realm. “The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global stage level, with every expense to be covered by EY. The top 5 finalists have the opportunity to undertake their internships at EY. This is all about grooming the next generation of tax leaders,” he said. The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

“The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global stage level, with every expense to be covered by EY. The top 5 finalists have the opportunity to undertake their internships at EY. This is all about grooming the next generation of tax leaders,” he said. The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

The global competition draws talent across several academic disciplines, and through practical case studies and presentations, participants develop the skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

The award programme is a platform designed to identify, develop and celebrate the next generation of tax leaders. It provides young talented individuals a channel to showcase their technical knowledge, analytical ability and innovative thinking while gaining exposure to real-world business challenges Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

Beyond taxation, the competition challenges participants to examine issues across corporate strategy, finance, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business ethics, supply chain management, and broader business operations. Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

Essien, the award recipient, applauded the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. “I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

“I want to specially thank the leadership of EY for giving us the rare opportunity to participate in the competition, and most importantly; for giving me an opportunity to know I can thrive in tax, while stating that the process was very rigorous and tasking,” she said. As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

As the overall winner, Essien will represent EY Nigeria at the global stage of the competition, as well as receive a guaranteed internship opportunity with EY. For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

For aspiring young professionals across Nigeria, the competition serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to those who remain curious, prepared and willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

Related News FG backs ProTaxi as 1,000 electric vehicles hit Abuja roads Education must build patriotism, skills for Nigeria’s future, expert says Indigenous outsourcing firm commits to unlocking potential, build future workforce Charles Ogwo Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities. Share

Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years. He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team. Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities.