Obi emphasized the need for quality leadership and urged the graduates to become agents of positive change in their communities. “It is about leadership and igniting the future. It is not rocket science, but it is difficult. It requires having a strong character and the ability not to do the wrong thing,” he said, adding that the younger generation is bearing the consequences of leadership failures from previous generations.
Lagos, Nigeria – Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticized the current administration, alleging that corruption is more rampant within the government than among so-called “Yahoo boys.” Obi made this statement during his keynote address at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University, themed “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future.”
In his address, Obi lamented the prevalence of corrupt officials draining the country’s resources. “For governance, don’t think when we talk about vices, it is only Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people in government than there are outside because we have turned the entire country into a crime scene where people inside are stealing and people outside are stealing,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized the need for quality leadership and urged the graduates to become agents of positive change in their communities. “It is about leadership and igniting the future. It is not rocket science, but it is difficult. It requires having a strong character and the ability not to do the wrong thing,” he said, adding that the younger generation is bearing the consequences of leadership failures from previous generations.
Leadership Through Service
Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Solid Minerals, also spoke at the event, describing service as the foundation of leadership. She encouraged graduates to positively impact their workspaces and the nation at large. “Service is the best form of leadership. We hope you see graduation as the opportunity for service to the world of work,” she said.
Ezekwesili also pointed out the evolving nature of work and the need for graduates to adapt to the demands of the modern workforce. “The world of work you are in is different from our world of work. This whole world that you are in, you have to master it,” she added.
Nexford University: Embracing AI in Education
Fadl Al Tarzi, founder of Nexford University, revealed that over 1,200 students earned first degrees and master’s degrees at the ceremony. He highlighted the institution’s focus on using technology to improve education, particularly through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“We have had an AI specialization for almost five years and have integrated AI into all our courses and programs,” Al Tarzi said. He noted that AI could help Nigerian talent connect with global opportunities and enhance the country’s economy. However, he warned that the rise of AI could lead to job displacement, while simultaneously increasing productivity and accelerating research and development.
One of the graduates, Yewande Matthew, who earned a first-class degree in Digital Marketing, described her academic journey as a mix of excitement and challenges. She credited her success to prioritizing her activities and managing her time effectively.
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