Rita Odafe
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate for the 2023 presidential election, has voiced strong concerns regarding the current government, stating that there are more individuals involved in online scams, or “Yahoo people”, within government ranks than outside.
Obi made these remarks while serving as the guest speaker at Nexford University’s 4th graduation ceremony.
The ceremony, titled “Lead the change; ignite your future,” allowed Obi to express his views on the dire situation of governance in Nigeria, where corruption is rampant.
“When discussing societal vices, we can’t limit it to Yahoo boys. In fact, there seems to be a larger number of Yahoo individuals in government, as the country has become a battlefield for theft both inside and out,” he asserted.
He underscored the importance of exemplary leadership to steer the nation’s progress and encouraged graduates to take on roles as catalysts for positive change in their communities.
“The focus should be on leadership and fostering a bright future. Although it’s straightforward, it does require effort. It’s vital to possess a steadfast character and resist wrongful actions.
“You have the opportunity to implement positive changes in your desired society. Leverage the knowledge gained today to aid in transforming our community.
“You bear the repercussions of Nigeria’s current state due to previous generations not making the right choices, and you are now facing the consequences,” he emphasized.
Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Obi Ezekwesili, highlighted the essence of service as the foundation of effective leadership, calling on graduates to engage in endeavors that create a positive impact in their professional and national spheres.
“True leadership stems from a commitment to service. We hope you perceive your graduation as a call to serve through your work.”
“The professional landscape today is vastly different from what we once knew. It’s crucial for you to master this new reality,” she stated.
Fadl Al Tarzi, the founder of Nexford University, announced that approximately 1200 students graduated, achieving both undergraduate and master’s degrees.
He elaborated on the institution’s dedication to enhancing education through technology, specifically noting the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enrich learning experiences.
“For nearly five years, we have featured AI specialization in our curriculum, embedding it across all courses and programs.
We believe AI has the capacity to connect Nigerian talent with global opportunities and bolster the national economy.
“Although AI may displace some jobs, its development could positively influence the economy. It holds the promise of boosting productivity and addressing complex issues that would otherwise take years to resolve, thus accelerating research and development,” he noted.
One graduate, Yewande Matthew, who earned a first-class degree in Digital Marketing, shared that her academic journey was filled with both enthusiasm and hard work, crediting her success to effective prioritization and time management.
