Explore opportunities in Nigeria’s huge problems, McPherson graduates charged

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, governing council, McPherson University (McU), Sotayo, Seriki, Ogun State, Prof Olurinde Lafe, has charged the institution’s new graduates to make good use of opportunities inherent in the country’s numerous challenges.

Speaking during the second convocation of the university, Lafe said huge opportunities exist in Nigeria’s developmental challenges, as massive human resources are required to solve those challenges. He therefore urged the graduands to put their education to good use in solving societal problems.

He said, “Our country has huge problems. You are blessed because huge problems bring along huge opportunities. It will take armies of young, smart, well-educated and vibrant people to solve these problems. Consider our nation’s infrastructural challenges. Nigeria, with a growing population of 180 million people, needs 18 million new housing units. We need 180GW of electricity, we are generating about 6GW.

“We need about 7km of paved roads per 1000 people to meet world average, we have less than 1km per 1000 people. A total of 1.27M km of new paved roads will need to be constructed for Nigeria to attain the world’s average number. Even at an average construction cost of $1M per km, Nigeria will require $1,270bn to build new paved roads just to meet the average world per capita standard. These development projects will need funding, project managers, administrators, publicity, among others.

He continued, “I believe a firm commitment to solving the power problems, building 18 million new units to meet the acute housing shortage, and constructing 7km of paved roads per 1,000 people, will generate over 60 million direct and indirect jobs across the nation. The education you have received at McU puts you in a strong position to participate in the enormous development work required to rebuild this nation.”

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adeniyi Agunbiade, said out of the 46 graduating students, four made first class; 21 had second class (upper division) 20 made second class (lower division); and just one student had third class.

Visitor, McPherson University Rev. Felix Meduoye, urged the graduands “to ensure that they not wrongly influenced and eschew ungodly character.