Get Guardian on GoogleFormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has challenged Nigerian youths to take active responsibility for building a prosperous, secure, and united country, declaring that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the quality of its education, leadership, and younger generation.
Obasanjo gave the charge while delivering the convocation lecture at the 6th Convocation Ceremony of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, held as part of activities marking the institution’s 10th anniversary.
Speaking on the theme: “The Nigeria We Want: Education, Leadership and the Responsibility of a New Generation,” the former president urged graduating students to look beyond their academic certificates and recognise their roles as contributors to national development.
He said Nigeria’s desired future would not be delivered by foreigners but built by Nigerians, especially the younger generation.
“The Nigeria we want will not be delivered to us like a parcel. Nobody is coming from abroad to build it for us. It will be built by Nigerians, and increasingly by Nigerians of your generation,” he said.
Obasanjo, who reflected on his experiences in public service, leadership and nation-building, identified education as a major foundation for national development.
He argued that education should go beyond the acquisition of certificates to equip students with critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, technical competence, adaptability and sound character.
The former president urged the government and other stakeholders to invest in quality teachers, accessible education, science and technology, digital innovation and skills development.
He also charged private universities to maintain high academic standards and ensure that their certificates reflected genuine learning and competence.
Addressing KolaDaisi University, he said private institutions should regard themselves as partners with public universities in advancing Nigeria’s educational development.
“To private universities like KolaDaisi University, I say: you are not competitors with public universities. You are partners in a national project. Keep your standards high. Do not award grades that your students do not earn. Let a KolaDaisi certificate mean something anywhere in the world,” he said.
On leadership, Obasanjo maintained that public office should be regarded as an opportunity to serve rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
He identified integrity, discipline, courage, compassion and accountability as essential qualities of responsible leadership, adding that the responsibility to lead was not limited to political officeholders but began in families, workplaces, institutions and communities.
He also urged the graduating students to embrace active participation in governance, productivity, honesty, national unity and service to society.
Obasanjo cautioned young Nigerians against internet fraud, examination malpractice and other dishonest practices, urging them to build their reputations through hard work and integrity.
He called them to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, technology and agribusiness rather than depend solely on government employment.
The former president also warned against the use of social media to promote ethnic and religious divisions, stressing the need for national unity.
He urged young Nigerians not to give up on the country because of its challenges.
“You do not abandon your mother because she is sick. You stay, and you help her to get well. And Nigeria must be made well,” he said.
Obasanjo, who expressed confidence in the younger generation, added: “When I look at you today, I do not see a problem. I see a solution.”
The former president also paid tribute to the Founder and Chancellor of the university, Bashorun Kola Daisi, for investing in the education of young Nigerians.
Recalling their longstanding relationship, he commended the industrialist for committing his resources to providing educational opportunities for future generations.
He described the establishment of a university as a lasting investment in the country’s future, noting that such commitment to education was necessary for sustainable development.
Obasanjo also acknowledged Chief Daisi’s continued commitment to the institution, especially his presence at the ceremony at the age of 94.
He congratulated the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olajumoke Abimbola Morenikeji, on her appointment and urged her to protect and strengthen the university’s reputation.
The former president also referenced the Obasanjo 55+20 Leadership Framework, comprising 55 measurable leadership attributes and 20 core values, which he said could guide transformational leadership. He promised to make copies available to the Vice-Chancellor for the benefit of the university’s staff and students.
In her response, Morenikeji thanked Obasanjo for accepting the invitation and sharing his experience and insights with the university community.
She said his message offered important lessons for graduating students, university administrators, policymakers and others committed to Nigeria’s future.
The ceremony was attended by the Founder and Chancellor, Bashorun Kola Daisi; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr Remi Babalola; members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council; principal officers, university staff, students, parents and representatives of other institutions.
