- Kenneth Omoruyi, a Nigerian-born professional accountant, recently appointed to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
- Kenneth, from a humble background in Nigeria, recounted how his journey was filled with determination and resilience
- He reaffirmed his commitment to ensure accountants in Texas maintain the highest standards of integrity and competence
In a notable development, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Nigerian-born Kenneth Omoruyi to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy on Friday, March 14, 2025. The term of office will expire on January 31, 2031.
Omoruyi, a certified public accountant, is expected to play a pivotal role in regulating the profession and ensuring that accountants in Texas uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
Omoruyi's remarkable journey from Nigeria to U.S.
Omoruyi’s story is one of perseverance and dedication. Raised in Nigeria, he learned the value of financial management from his mother, a street food vendor.
With her encouragement, he pursued a degree in accounting at the University of Benin before emigrating to the United States. He subsequently earned a Master of Science in Business Taxation from the University of Southern California and a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School.
His mother was a street vendor who hardly slept at night. He recalled how she would always sleep during church services. He started helping his mother many nights from the age of nine.
He tapped into the strength and resilience of his mother when he worked to rebuild his career in the United States. Through hard work and faith in God, he obtained professional designations, founded three small businesses, and was recognised nationally for contributing to the accounting profession.
Omoruyi’s distinguished career in Accounting
Currently serving as the managing partner of CKO CPAs & Advisors and an adjunct professor at Lone Star College, Omoruyi has earned national recognition in his field. Omoruyi is a professional accountant who started his career within the Oil & Gas industry in Lagos, Nigeria, before immigrating to the US.
He also worked for the world’s largest oil field service company, ‘Schlumberger’, as a senior tax/financial analyst. While at Schlumberger, Kenneth won numerous “Be Outstanding” awards for championing process improvement initiatives and leadership development activities.
His accolades include the CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 Award and the AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award. He was also a candidate for Texas’ 7th Congressional District, reflecting his dedication to public service. He has earned a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Reacting to his appointment, Omoruyi expressed profound gratitude: "I am profoundly honoured by this appointment. I dedicate this honour to my mother, whose staunch support has been my guiding force, and to my wife, whose encouragement has been most instrumental."
He highlighted that his journey reflects the resilience of the African diaspora and the opportunities available in the United States.
With this appointment, Omoruyi will contribute to the oversight and regulation of the accounting profession in Texas, ensuring that accountants maintain the highest standards of integrity and competence. His story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable achievements.
22-year-old Nigerian-American lady makes history with Nobel prize nomination
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported the remarkable waves by a 22-year-old Nigerian lady, Zuriel Oduwole, who was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
At 13, she played a pivotal role in mediating a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, meeting then-President David Granger at the United Nations to advocate for peaceful dialogue.
The recognition of the award will be announced in October 2025 and the award will be given out on December 10, 2025.
