…inducts 36 Lead City varsity students

The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Dr. Baba Yusuf Musa, has urged young economists to deploy their knowledge, innovation and integrity to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation amid persistent economic challenges.

Musa gave the charge on Monday at the 2026 induction ceremony of 36 graduating students of the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, into the Society.

Represented by the Financial Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of NES, Dr. Florence Funmilola Oyebamiji, the NES President said the country urgently needs economists capable of translating research, data and sound analysis into practical policies that improve citizens’ welfare.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic realities, including persistent inflation, exchange rate volatility, rising cost of living and unemployment, have made the role of professional economists more critical than ever.

He stressed that beyond producing graduates, the nation requires professionals who can contribute to economic diversification, deepen financial inclusion, harness opportunities in the digital economy and promote evidence-based policy-making.

“You are stepping into a profession that carries enormous responsibility. What Nigeria needs today are economists who can translate data into decisions and decisions into measurable improvements in people’s lives,” he said.

Describing the induction as more than a ceremonial exercise, Musa said it marked the graduates’ formal admission into a community of professionals committed to rigorous economic analysis, ethical conduct and national development.

He urged the inductees to embrace curiosity, resilience, integrity and lifelong learning, noting that careers, like economies, thrive on patience, adaptability and continuous skills development.

“The world does not reward those who only dream; it rewards those who act on their dreams with knowledge, courage and integrity,” he added.

The NES President disclosed that the Society was strengthening mentorship and professional development programmes to bridge the gap between academic training and labour market demands.

He said NES is also repositioning its state chapters and would soon unveil a strategic plan aimed at making the organisation more relevant to young economists across the country.

Musa urged the new members to remain active in the Society through its conferences, seminars, publications and professional networks, describing membership as “a lifetime of learning rather than a ceremony that ends today.”

He also lauded the management of Lead City University for sustaining its partnership with the Society, noting that the institution was presenting its second batch of Economics graduates for induction since 2025.

The Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Sciences and Humanities), Prof. Omolara Campbell, described the induction as a call to greater responsibility and professional excellence.

“This journey is not an ordinary one. It is a call to responsibility. Today, you have been inducted into a community of positive thinkers. When you combine economic theories with entrepreneurial skills, you will not be among those searching for jobs. Rather, you will become job creators and agents of positive change,” she said.

The Head of the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Dr. Toluwalope Toyin Ogunro, urged the newly inducted economists to uphold the ideals of the profession and continue to distinguish themselves through excellence and integrity.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Haliyat Iyanuoluwa Diyan described the ceremony as a significant milestone in their academic and professional journey.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. The messages we have received today have challenged us to pursue excellence, uphold professional ethics and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

Also present at the induction were Dr. Mustapha Raheem, Dr. Adebola Alade and a host of others.