Ex-Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar; National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark; Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Baze University, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed have urged graduating students of Pacesetters Schools, Abuja, to shun shortcuts to success and build their future on knowledge, integrity, hard work and good character.

They gave the charge on Sunday at the Pacesetters Schools Class of 2026 Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony in Abuja, where they challenged the graduates to remain committed to excellence and lifelong learning.

They stressed that academic qualifications alone would not guarantee success, noting that discipline, resilience, honesty and moral values were equally critical for achieving personal fulfilment and making meaningful contributions to society.

Represented by his wife, Amina Titi Abubakar, the former Vice President encouraged the graduates to pursue their ambitions with determination and integrity, urging them to use their education as a tool for national development and service to humanity.

He advised the students to resist the temptation of drug trafficking, prostitution and other social vices, warning that the pursuit of quick wealth through criminal activities could destroy their future and tarnish their reputation.

He also urged the graduands to define success by the positive impact they make on society rather than by material possessions, expressing confidence that the Class of 2026 would distinguish itself as responsible leaders and worthy ambassadors of the school.

In his keynote address, Baba-Ahmed said academic qualifications alone were not enough to guarantee success, stressing that character, discipline and a commitment to societal development were equally essential.

He explained that education should progress beyond acquiring certificates to making meaningful contributions to society, urging graduates to continually pursue learning and personal development.

According to him, true education follows a progression from literacy to formal education, participation, contribution and ultimately promotion, with each stage requiring greater responsibility and commitment.

The former lawmaker said one of the greatest challenges individuals face is overcoming their own weaknesses, noting that lasting success comes from combining knowledge with wisdom, experience and strong moral values.

He advised the graduates to uphold honesty, diligence, dedication and self-respect in their personal and professional lives, warning that the temptation to seek quick and dishonest paths to success could undermine their future.

Also speaking, former Senate President, Senator David Mark, urged the graduating students to embrace lifelong learning, stressing that education does not end with the award of certificates but continues throughout life. He advised them to constantly seek new knowledge and skills to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.

Represented by former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Mark also challenged the graduates to uphold integrity in all their endeavours, describing honesty and good character as indispensable virtues for achieving lasting success and earning society’s trust.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Pacesetters Schools, Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon, underscored the transformative power of education, describing it as the foundation for personal development, responsible citizenship and national progress.

He said the institution remains committed to producing graduates who are independent-minded, innovative and equipped to create opportunities for themselves, rather than relying solely on scarce white-collar jobs for survival.

Imansuangbon explained that the school’s philosophy goes beyond academic excellence, stressing that students are deliberately nurtured to develop critical thinking, creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

According to him, Pacesetters Schools is focused on refining the character, leadership abilities and problem-solving capacity of its learners so they can make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large.

He urged the graduating students to remain disciplined, uphold the values instilled in them by the school and strive for excellence in all their endeavours, expressing confidence that they possess the knowledge, confidence and mindset to distinguish themselves wherever they find opportunities.

The graduation ceremony was attended by prominent figures including ADC National Secretary and former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, John Oyegun; ex-Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; Senator Dino Melaye; one-time Pro-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Emenike Ikechi among others.