Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, has called on Nigerian youths, particularly fresh graduates, to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity as they transition into the professional world.
Fashola gave the charge on Wednesday while delivering the 40th Convocation Lecture of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, titled “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World.”
Congratulating the graduating students, Fashola commended their resilience, as well as the sacrifices of their parents and lecturers. He reminded them that while convocation is a time for celebration, the real test begins after graduation.
> “You are stepping into a defining phase of your lives where many will be chasing jobs that are not enough,” he said. “Your values, instincts, and what your parents taught you about right and wrong should guide you.”
He urged the graduates to build character and courage, stressing that success in life requires focus and discipline, especially in an era dominated by social media and artificial intelligence.
“The real world is different from the world of gloss and perception you see online,” Fashola cautioned. “Not everything you see on social media is true. Some people want to manipulate your thoughts and control your actions with every click.”
He encouraged the graduates to use social media responsibly — to promote their work, causes, and achievements — while avoiding indecent posts, hate speech, and online conflicts.
“Social media can be a useful tool to showcase your strengths, but not your body parts,” he quipped. “If the language or conversation turns nasty, you don’t belong there. Leave and never return.”
On financial responsibility, the former Lagos State governor advised the graduates to embrace a culture of savings and investment, warning against gambling and betting, which he described as “unsustainable paths to wealth.”
“Developing the habit of saving and investing is key to financial discipline,” he said. “Avoid gambling and betting; they only enrich the operators. Invest in land, not fleeting possessions like cars or fashion items that lose value.”
Fashola also urged the young graduates to cultivate meaningful relationships, seek mentorship, and embrace diverse experiences during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.
“Work hard, respect your host communities, and make friends,” he said. “Some of the people I met during Youth Service have remained my lifelong friends.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s growing global influence through music, film, and fashion, Fashola encouraged the graduates to leverage their talents to project the Nigerian dream to the world.
“The world is now your oyster. Find opportunities in difficulties, work hard, and project yourselves,” he charged. “The world has been waiting for the explosion of the Nigerian dream.”
He concluded by urging the graduates to live by courage, integrity, and diligence.
“To dare is to do,” he declared. “Please dare and do — with hard work, integrity, and character.”
The University of Ilorin is graduating a total of 13,868 students during its 40th Convocation Ceremonies, with 316 students earning First Class honours. The event also marks the institution’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary, celebrating 50 years of academic excellence, innovation, and service to humanity.
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