Lagos — The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, has made Technology Competence a prerequisite for inducting its new members.

It noted in a statement that, from 2008, every graduate of ICAN is expected to acquire Information Technology skills under the Institute's Technology Competence Initiative (TCI) or show proof of such competence before he or she can be inducted.

"Arrangements are in top gear by the Institute to accredit the Accounting and Auditing software as well as the training centres for the effective take-off of programme nationwide, said Mr Dayo Ajigbotosho, the Corporate Affairs Manager of the institute.

Essentially, he said the TCI programme would cover four modules: Module 1(Computer Fundamentals) to last one week or 40hours; Module 2 (Use of Accounting Packages), 3 days or 24 hours; Module 3 (Audit Software), 3 days or 24 hours; and Module 4 (Professional Technology Competence), 4 months and training to hold only on weekends. The first three Modules will be the precondition for induction of new members.

"TCI is a deliberate effort of the Institute aimed at building Information Technology competence in Chartered Accountants. This is expected to enable them serve their clients, employers and the nation at large more effectively in the knowledge economy environment", he said.