At LASU Convocation, Ganduje and Alausa Urge Citizens: “Patriotism Is No Longer Optional”

In a powerful message delivered at the 28th Convocation Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU), key national figures called for a renewed sense of patriotism and civic duty among Nigerians, especially the youth.

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), chaired the event held on Wednesday, April 9. The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who spoke under the theme: “Patriotism, Citizenship and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future.”

Both speakers emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges on the active participation of its citizens. Their message was clear—national development cannot be left to the government alone; it requires every Nigerian to contribute meaningfully.

“The call to patriotism is not just ceremonial—it is critical,” Dr. Alausa stated, urging the academic community and young graduates to embrace their role in shaping a better nation. He described patriotism as more than a feeling, calling it an intentional commitment to national development and unity.

In a statement shared via the official APC X (formerly Twitter) account, the party affirmed its chairman’s role at the convocation and reiterated the lecture’s theme, describing it as “a rallying call for national ownership and responsibility.”

As LASU prepares to graduate over 11,000 students this session, the convocation lecture served as a wake-up call to the next generation of leaders. With Nigeria facing complex challenges, Ganduje and Alausa’s message echoed a broader national sentiment: it’s time for every citizen to rise to the task of nation-building.

The convocation event, blending academic tradition with political urgency, highlighted the shared responsibility of all Nigerians—students, educators, leaders, and citizens alike—in charting a new path forward.