A distinguished gathering of academics, professionals, and political leaders on Friday converged in Abuja for the public presentation of Financial Accounting: Theory and Practice, a seminal new work authored by Professor Mathias Ugwudioha Ofili, a Professor of Accounting at Nile University of Nigeria.
The event, which drew dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political, academic, and business circles, was chaired by former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and ex-Minister of Water Resources , Alhaji Muktar Shagari, who described Prof. Ofili as “a man of intellectual excellence and a mentor who has contributed immensely to the development of accounting education in Nigeria.”
Also in attendance were former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, alongside representatives of professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) and several university dons such as the Deputy Vice Chancellor Central Administration,Prof. A. Prema Kirubakaran Nile University and the Dean of Management Sciences, Prof May Nwokoye (MON).
A Celebration of Scholarship and Service
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the occasion, Muktar Shagari, commended Prof. Ofili for his unwavering commitment to education, noting that his new book would “serve as a vital resource for students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity on both the theory and practice of financial accounting.”
He lauded the author’s scholarly discipline, adding that “in an era where financial transparency and accountability are national imperatives, works like this help in building the ethical and professional foundation of the next generation of accountants.”
In his goodwill message, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo praised Prof. Ofili’s intellectual contributions and long-standing record of mentorship. “Prof. Ofili has devoted his life to the advancement of knowledge,” Nwodo said. “This book is not only an academic milestone but a legacy that will outlive him. His ability to merge rigorous theory with practical insight sets him apart in the academic world.” The Secretary General of FOSAD, Dr Uzor Ngoladi who served as Chairman of Book Launch Planning Committee in his citation described Ofili as, “a prolific writer and an accomplished author with ten books to his credit in Accounting, Finance and Economics.”
Author’s Reflections
In his remarks, Prof. Ofili expressed gratitude to God, his family, colleagues, and the management of Nile University for their support. He explained that the book, co-authored with distinguished scholars, Ayogu Sunday Eze and Bolaji Adeleke Danjuma, was written to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world accounting application.
“The goal of this book,” he said, “is to simplify complex accounting principles, align Nigerian practice with international standards, and provide a holistic guide to both students and professionals. Accounting, at its core, is about truth, transparency, and stewardship — values that our nation needs more than ever.”
Academic and Professional Tributes
Several speakers described the publication as “a timely contribution” to the country’s accounting literature. They noted that Prof. Ofili’s work reinforces the relevance of ethical financial reporting in public and private sectors, especially in an era of economic transformation.
Other attendees commended the author’s long career as a teacher, researcher, and administrator, crediting him with mentoring dozens of professionals who now occupy leading roles in academia, business, and public finance.
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the book, which experts hailed as a “must-read” for accounting students and practitioners.
As the event drew to a close, participants described Prof. Ofili’s Financial Accounting: Theory and Practice as not merely a textbook but a lasting intellectual contribution to Nigeria’s economic and educational development. Members of the Book Launch Planning Committe include: Dr Uzor Ngoladi (Chairman), Dr Kolawole Ebire (Secretary), Barrister Okey Okwuego, Barrister Vincent Obetta, Dr Chris Nwachukwu, Ejimofor Okorafor Nwosu, James Ezeokeh and Pius Okeoma.