Japa not the sole path to success, Nexford varsity CEO cautions graduates

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nexford University, Fadl Al Tarzi, has cautioned graduates of the institution against joining the trend of leaving the country in droves for greener pastures.

The online university, which is based in Washington DC, recently graduated 622 students across its BBA and MBA programmes.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Al Tarzi, stated that leaving the country to pursue job opportunities abroad is not the best solution, adding that with skills acquired, the graduands stand a higher chance of qualifying for remote jobs, while staying in their country.

Urging them to use their certificates and skills for the betterment of the country, Al Tarzi, said: “Japa is not the sole path to success. In this era of remote work, jobs are transcending geographical boundaries, and Africa, with its youthful population, is poised to be the cradle of tomorrow’s global force. There is an undeniable fact in this, Africa is where tomorrow’s workforce will come.”

Al Tarzi, who described Nigerian students as resilient and ‘hungry for knowledge’, said the country values education more than any other country in the world.
He encouraged the graduands to rewrite the history of Africa on the global scale, by becoming good ambassadors.
He said: “It is time for you to take the mantle of leadership, redefine perceptions, and engrave your marks on societies, whether here in Nigeria, or beyond your borders.

“If your journey takes you to foreign lands, remember, you are the architects of perceptions, ambassadors of our values. Make those lands realise the privilege of hosting Nigerian talents, showcase your superior skills, and let the world witness the value you add, and the legacy you create.”

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, said for the country to be a better place, it must continue to produce graduates who are capable of doing something with their skills and innovation.

According to Ezekwesili, who is a board member of the institution, “Nexford University is one of the global institutions offering skills necessary for the 21st century.”

She, however, called for the creation of more universities to cater for the growing population of admission seekers.

Co-founder and former Group Executive Director, Sahara Group, Tonye Cole, in his keynote address, urged the graduates to expect challenges as they move to the next phase of life.

He said, “Do not be afraid to fail, even when you do, start again, try again and retrace your steps, and be courageous for every success story has stories to tell.

“You have to decide on your own but you must seek wisdom to guide your steps, this is key because it is what you need to navigate the world and keep your eyes on your goal.”

Meanwhile, the graduation witnessed the presentation of awards to some outstanding students.

Among those recognised are James Ogo-Oluwa Osinowo who had a 4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) alongside over 40 others, and emerged Valedictorian of the Year for Class 2023; Adeshile Oluwabusayo emerged Best Peer Mentor for BBA (Undergraduate degree) and Monsuru Adebayo Popoola, Best Peer Mentor MBA (Graduate Degree).

While Daniel Oreofe was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, Sonter Samuel James emerged Outstanding Brand Ambassador.