Former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, has called on Nigerian universities to promote a culture of excellence, curiosity, and innovation — a philosophy he termed the “Mekaria Spirit”, meaning doing more and doing better.
In a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Ikechukwu Okafor, Chidoka made the call while delivering the convocation lecture at the fifth combined convocation of Paul University, Awka, on Friday.
He urged African universities to redefine their roles in the Intelligence Age by producing leaders with curiosity, grit, and strong moral values to build inclusive, data-driven societies.
“The future belongs to the curious, the courageous, and the continuously improving. Mekaria is not a slogan; it is a mindset of curiosity, moral courage, and unrelenting excellence,” he said.
Chidoka shared how his early struggles during his NYSC in Abuja — arriving with only N20 and later earning the NYSC Honours Award — shaped his belief in the Mekaria Spirit.
He emphasized that Africa must move beyond the Industrial Age and embrace the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence, with universities serving as “the infrastructure of innovation and civilisation.”
“If our universities produce citizens who can think, build, and serve, Africa will not just catch up; it will leap forward,” he added.
Addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to stay curious, take bold risks, and keep improving, saying the 21st century rewards creators, not spectators.