...Says Education Must Produce Solution Providers, Not Just Degree Holders
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| L-R: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; wife of the President/Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Folusho Ojewole, and the President/Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, at the presentation of a Distinguished Leadership and Service award to Governor Abiodun for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of education by Babcock University during the 15th postgraduate convocation ceremony for the award of degrees, prices and doctoral hooding at the institution on Tuesday. |
ILISAN-REMO, OGUN STATE — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has challenged Nigerian graduates to channel the knowledge, skills, and values acquired through higher education into providing practical solutions to the country's socio-economic challenges, stressing that universities must produce innovators, ethical leaders, and solution providers rather than mere degree holders.
Governor Abiodun made the call on Tuesday while delivering the convocation lecture at the Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. The governor was also honoured with the university's prestigious Award of Good Governance in recognition of his transformational leadership and commitment to people-oriented governance.
In a further demonstration of his commitment to academic excellence, the governor announced cash rewards for the institution's best graduating students across various academic categories.
Speaking on the theme, "Breaking New Grounds," Governor Abiodun described the graduands as some of the brightest minds of their generation whose scholarship, innovation, leadership, and character would influence the future of Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.
He emphasized that institutions of higher learning have responsibilities beyond awarding certificates, noting that they are established to nurture individuals capable of applying knowledge to solve real-life problems and advance humanity.
"Universities occupy a unique place in human civilisation. They do far more than transmit information; they sharpen minds, refine convictions, mould character, and prepare citizens capable of advancing society," the governor stated.
According to him, the true value of education is measured not by the quantity of knowledge acquired but by how effectively that knowledge is deployed for societal development.
Governor Abiodun commended Babcock University for consistently demonstrating that academic excellence must be complemented by moral responsibility, warning that competence without character could become dangerous to society.
He urged the graduating students to embrace innovation while remaining firmly rooted in integrity, noting that the future belongs to individuals who combine technological expertise with ethical leadership.
"The future belongs to those who can combine innovation with integrity. Degrees may confer honour, but it is character, service, and commitment to humanity that ultimately define the worth of education," he said.
The governor also highlighted the numerous reforms introduced by his administration to reposition education in Ogun State, describing the sector as the bedrock of sustainable development.
He said the Ogun REHAB Initiative has significantly transformed public school infrastructure across the state through extensive renovation projects aimed at creating conducive learning environments.
Governor Abiodun further disclosed that over 6,000 teachers have been recruited under the OgunTeach Programme to improve the quality of teaching and learning in public schools.
He explained that the state's educational reforms extend beyond infrastructure development to include digital innovation, teacher capacity building, strategic planning, and partnerships with reputable institutions such as Babcock University.
According to him, these initiatives are designed to produce globally competitive graduates capable of thriving in a knowledge-driven economy.
"By combining infrastructure renewal with digital innovation, data-driven planning, teacher empowerment, and strategic partnerships with institutions like Babcock University, we are building an educational ecosystem where knowledge inspires innovation, research drives enterprise, and planning produces globally competitive graduates equipped to lead in a knowledge-based economy," he said.
Governor Abiodun also reflected on the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and digital innovation, cautioning that technological progress alone cannot guarantee a better future without sound moral values.
He reminded the graduates that every major scientific discovery and technological breakthrough was made possible by individuals who dared to challenge conventional thinking, urging them to continue exploring new frontiers in research, enterprise, leadership, and human development.
As part of activities marking the convocation ceremony, Governor Abiodun announced generous financial rewards to celebrate outstanding academic performance.
He pledged ₦1.5 million for the overall best Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) student, ₦2 million for the best Master's degree graduate, ₦2.5 million for the best PhD graduate, and ₦2.5 million for the overall best undergraduate student.
Earlier in his address, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olatunde Oyewole, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to producing globally competitive graduates equipped with knowledge, discipline, character, and the skills required to address societal challenges.
He disclosed that the university celebrated 183 PhD graduates alongside over 2,000 postgraduate students, all of whom, he said, had been adequately prepared to make meaningful contributions to national and global development.
Prof. Oyewole also highlighted the university's contributions to the socio-economic development of Ogun State and Nigeria through human capital development, infrastructural support, and community service initiatives.
While applauding Governor Abiodun for his administration's developmental achievements across Ogun State, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged students, staff, and alumni to actively participate in the nation's democratic process by registering to vote and supporting the emergence of credible leaders.
He stressed that sustainable national development depends on the election of competent, visionary, and accountable public office holders.
The high point of the ceremony was the conferment of the Award of Good Governance on Governor Dapo Abiodun in recognition of what the university described as his transformational leadership, visionary governance, and unwavering commitment to educational development and public service.
Also honoured during the convocation were the former Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako, who were among distinguished personalities awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
The ceremony attracted academics, government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, religious leaders, parents, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate another milestone in the history of one of Africa's foremost faith-based universities.
