The Ife Accounting Summit (IAS) is back—and this time, it’s not just bigger in ambition but also in execution. Slated for the 18th and 19th of June, 2025, this 8th edition of the annual summit promises a transformative experience for accounting students, aspiring professionals, and business-minded youth.
What sets IAS 8.0 apart from previous editions is its bold move away from Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University’s traditional event space, to the Ojaja Arena, a much larger and off-campus venue in Ile-Ife, Osun State. This change signals more than just a need for space—it reflects the summit’s growing relevance, expanded reach, and commitment to raising the bar for professional development events in Nigeria’s academic circles.
This year’s theme—“Future-Proofing Career: Integrating Sustainable Accounting Practices with Entrepreneurial Agility”—is particularly timely. As industries rapidly evolve due to technology, shifting economies, and global sustainability concerns, young professionals must adapt. IAS 8.0 aims to bridge that gap by sparking conversations around how today’s students can become tomorrow’s resilient professionals.
The event will feature:
- Powerful keynote sessions from industry leaders
- Panel discussions on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation in finance
- Networking opportunities with professionals and fellow students
- Workshops focused on practical, career-advancing skills
With a focus on equipping students with a hybrid mindset—where financial literacy meets sustainable innovation and business acumen—IAS 8.0 offers a forward-thinking approach to career development.
A Convergence of Insight and Inspiration
The summit is expected to bring together hundreds of students from various universities, industry stakeholders, and academic figures. Attendees will gain firsthand exposure to career-building insights that transcend traditional accounting frameworks.
As a platform, IAS has consistently pushed boundaries, and this year, it looks set to redefine what professional conferences look like at the student level—bold, inclusive, visionary.
BusinessPoint Joins as Media Partner
While the spotlight remains on the summit, BusinessPoint is proud to serve as a media partner for IAS 8.0. Our collaboration with IAS aligns with our mission to spotlight impactful student-led initiatives that foster growth, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions in business and professional development.
Today in the spotlight, we’re interviewing the representative of the Ife Accounting Summit 8.0. We’re excited to share exclusive highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and the inspiring vision driving this year’s summit.
Q&A With Favour Ifunanya Tom – Sponsorship Director, IAS 8.0
1. What was the vision behind this year’s edition of IAS, and how did it influence the shift to a larger, off-campus venue like Ojaja Arena?
The vision for IAS 8.0 was simple but ambitious: to create a platform that goes beyond technical knowledge and prepares students and young professionals for the fast-evolving demands of today’s business world. We recognized that the future of accounting isn’t just about numbers anymore; it’s about adaptability, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
That vision is what led us to scale up this year. We wanted a venue that could match the size and scope of what we’re trying to build. Ojaja Arena allows us to accommodate more participants, deliver a richer experience, and truly make IAS feel like the transformative event it’s meant to be.
2. Can you share some of the key challenges you faced while securing sponsorships and partnerships for IAS 8.0 and how you overcame them?
Sponsorship is always a challenge, especially when you’re trying to do something bigger and bolder. One major hurdle was convincing potential partners that an event led by students could deliver real value and impact.
We overcame that by being intentional; presenting a clear vision, showing them the growth and success of past editions, and emphasizing how IAS aligns with their brand values, particularly around innovation, youth empowerment, and future skills. The key was building relationships, not just making asks. Once they saw our passion and professionalism, they came on board.
3. How does the theme, “Future Proofing Careers,” reflect the current realities of students and young professionals in the accounting and business space?
The theme speaks directly to the evolving demands placed on young professionals today. “Future-Proofing Careers: Integrating Accounting Practices with Entrepreneurship Agility” recognizes that the traditional path of an accountant or business graduate is no longer linear or fixed.
Students and young professionals are stepping into a world where automation, digital disruption, and economic uncertainty are reshaping the job landscape. To stay relevant, it’s not enough to master technical accounting skills, you need the flexibility and mindset of an entrepreneur. That means being able to spot opportunities, adapt quickly, solve problems creatively, and even build ventures from scratch.
This theme reflects that dual need to be grounded in solid accounting principles while also thinking innovatively, taking initiative, and being open to unconventional career paths. It’s about blending precision with agility, because that’s what the future demands.
4. What makes this year’s IAS different from previous editions, and what can attendees expect in terms of experience and value?
IAS 8.0 is on a whole new level. We’re not just hosting an event, we’re curating an experience. From sophisticated venue to the quality of speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and career workshops, everything has been upgraded.
Attendees can expect practical insights, access to industry leaders, and hands-on exposure to emerging tools and trends. Whether you’re looking for career direction, entrepreneurial inspiration, or simply a space to connect with other driven individuals, IAS 8.0 delivers on all fronts.
5. What impact are you hoping IAS 8.0 will have on participants, especially those looking to merge sustainability with entrepreneurship in their career paths?
We want participants to leave feeling empowered! Not just with knowledge, but with a real sense of direction. For those interested in merging sustainability with entrepreneurship, IAS 8.0 offers a platform to explore how purpose and profit can coexist.
Through our sessions and speakers, we’re showing how sustainable business practices aren’t just ethically right; they’re smart, strategic, and increasingly demanded by consumers and investors alike. Our goal is to spark ideas, build confidence, and help attendees chart career paths that are both impactful and future-ready.
With the bold move to Ojaja Arena and a refreshed commitment to practical, real-world preparation, IAS 8.0 is poised to be a game-changer in the student event landscape.
📍 Save the date!
🗓️ June 18th–19th, 2025
📍 Ojaja Arena, Ife Grand Resort, Ile-Ife, Osun State
⏰ 9AM Prompt
To register for the event, Visit: https://ias-bay.vercel.app
Please contact for sponsorship and further enquiries ;
Chairman, IAS 8.0
Damilare Ezekiel Fasina.
+234 814 094 6428
PRESIDENT, NUASA
SUNDAY OCHEJE
+234 902 808 8473
SPONSORSHIP TEAM HEAD
Favour Ifunanya Tom
+234 703 072 8132
Stay tuned for updates and more exclusive content from the event.
This is sooook nice and well detailed. I really can’t wait to witness 8.0 and of course I won’t come alone, I want my circle of friends life and mentality to change so certainly dragging them over💃💃
Wow… This is going to be so impactful. I must be there!!
Very insightful
This is good!!!….I can’t wait