Profile: Jim Obazee – Special Investigator appointed by Tinubu

Jim Osayande Obazee, a distinguished professional in the field of accounting and financial reporting, was appointed as a special investigator by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday. Tasked with the critical responsibility of probing the Central Bank of Nigeria and key Government Business Entities, Obazee’s appointment has drawn considerable attention and interest across the nation.

Here are seven key points to know about the Special Investigator, Jim Obazee:

1. Early Life and Background: Born on March 28, 1965, Jim Osayande Obazee hails from Edo State, Nigeria.

2. Educational Achievements: The 58-year-old scholar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the prestigious University of Benin. He further pursued a Master’s degree in the same discipline at the University of Lagos, solidifying his expertise in the financial domain.

3. Notable Professional Tenure: Jim Obazee served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) from November 2010 to January 2017. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the development and implementation of financial reporting standards in Nigeria.

4. Professional Memberships: As a testament to his commitment to excellence, Obazee is recognized as a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management and the American Accounting Association.

5. International Recognition: Obazee’s pursuit of knowledge and expertise led him to earn a certification in Strategic Financial Analysis for Business Evaluation from Harvard University in the United States of America, solidifying his reputation as a global professional.

6. International Engagements: Throughout his illustrious career, Jim Obazee has garnered valuable experiences from international assignments. Notably, he was on secondment to the Financial Accounting Standards Board in the USA and the Atlantic Schools of Business in Canada.

7. Leadership Roles: Demonstrating his leadership capabilities, Obazee served as the Chairman of the 29th Session of the International Standards of Accounting and Reporting. Additionally, he chaired the Committee responsible for the Roadmap to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards in Nigeria.