Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, has called on Nigerian youths to resist the temptation of leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, despite the prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking at the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies of Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo state, Fashola urged young Nigerians to stay and contribute to the country’s development.
Fashola acknowledged the tough times in Nigeria but emphasized the need for young people to rise above challenges and aspire to positions of leadership.
He stated, “Why did Mrs Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi who have contributed to Nigeria not run away ? Why are they still here? Times were equally tough in their younger days that propelled the popular musician Dr Victor Olaiya’s song Ilu le o, ko s’owo l’ode…. (sics) in the 60s.
“The youths have become leaders in the Nigerian household, and therefore, they must embrace that responsibility. Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University.” he added.
In his speech, Michael Ade-Ojo, founder of Elizade University, expressed satisfaction with the institution’s contribution to Nigeria’s education system.
Despite limited financial returns, Ade-Ojo took pride in seeing the university’s graduates competing on a global scale. He reiterated his commitment to providing world-class education in Nigeria and emphasized the importance of research and entrepreneurship training in shaping the nation’s future.
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Prof. Kayode Ijadunola, Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates equipped with the necessary skills to address Nigeria’s economic and technological challenges.
“With new developments, a growing research portfolio, and strong community ties, Elizade University is poised to continue its upward trajectory in Nigerian higher education,” Ijadunola noted.
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