Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, has been awarded the prestigious Fellowship Award by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN). The recognition took place during ICSAN’s 48th Annual Conference, themed “Reassessing the Governance Dynamics in Nigeria’s Transition to Enduring Development and National Prosperity.”
Dr. Olowo was honored for his significant contributions as a leader in corporate reporting and public finance. His expertise in corporate governance, both in private and public institutions, has earned him widespread recognition. With over 15 years of experience across multiple sectors, Dr. Olowo’s leadership has made a lasting impact on financial transparency and governance in Nigeria.
A Career Marked by Excellence
Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of ICSAN, praised Dr. Olowo for his outstanding contributions to corporate governance and financial reporting. “Dr. Olowo is a corporate reporting and public finance leader adept at developing and implementing corporate governance frameworks across private and public institutions,” Ekundayo said.
Dr. Olowo’s impressive career includes serving as the Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State from 2019 to 2023, where he played a pivotal role in earning the state a AAA rating for financial transparency. His professional journey spans multinational companies such as Zenith Bank, GlaxoSmithKline, and FrieslandCampina, with roles in finance and auditing across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the USA.
Holding various professional certifications, including Chartered Accountant, Chartered Management Accountant, and Certified Fraud Examiner, Dr. Olowo’s educational background is equally noteworthy. He holds an MBA from the University of Lagos, an MSc in Accounting and Finance from Robert Gordon University, and a PhD in Forensic Accounting and Auditing. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School and Oxford Blavatnik School of Government.
A Leader in Governance and Public Policy
Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Olowo is a recognized thought leader in governance, finance, and forensic accounting. He contributes to business schools and conferences globally, and his research in forensic accounting and public policy has been widely acknowledged. Currently, he serves as a research fellow at Cranfield University, furthering his impact on corporate governance and financial accountability.
His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 40 Under 40 Africa Award and the Public Finance Administrator of the Year in 2022. Dr. Olowo is also a passionate youth advocate, mentoring and inspiring young leaders across the globe.
ICSAN Fellowship: A Coveted Honor
The Fellowship Award conferred on Dr. Olowo underscores ICSAN’s commitment to recognizing only those who have made significant contributions to corporate governance. Since its institutionalization in 2016, the honorary fellowship has been awarded to only 15 eminent Nigerians, positioning it as one of the most competitive and respected distinctions in the field.
Joining Dr. Olowo in receiving the 2024 honorary fellowship were Mr. Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, Registrar General and CEO of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
This prestigious award not only recognizes Dr. Olowo’s individual achievements but also highlights his enduring commitment to advancing corporate governance and financial transparency in Nigeria.
