CJN urges graduates to use knowledge for Nigeria’s development

CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, delivering the convocation lecture at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, on Thursday.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged Nigerian graduates to deploy their knowledge and skills towards national development, cautioning against abandoning the country in pursuit of opportunities abroad.

She also advised graduates not to lose faith in their ability to contribute to Nigeria’s progress despite the economic difficulties, unemployment and uncertainties confronting the country.

The CJN gave the advice on Thursday while delivering the convocation lecture at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as part of activities marking the institution’s 10th and 11th combined convocation ceremonies.

Kekere-Ekun said Nigeria needed graduates who could think independently, question constructively, innovate responsibly and work collaboratively to address the country’s challenges.

She also called for professionals who would reject the misuse of public resources, entrepreneurs committed to creating value and leaders who understood that authority came with accountability.

She said, “I am particularly concerned that young graduates should not lose faith in their capacity to make a difference in Nigeria.

“I recognise that the challenges facing our country are real. There are difficulties in the labour market, concerns about economic opportunity and circumstances that may make the future appear uncertain.

“I do not wish to minimise these concerns or offer simplistic assurances that determination alone will resolve every difficulty. Nevertheless, I believe that Nigeria’s future will be shaped, in significant measure, by the quality of the people who are prepared to take responsibility for it.”

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The jurist acknowledged that some of the graduates might seek postgraduate education or better opportunities abroad but urged them not to forget their home country.

She warned that Nigeria’s development would suffer if people equipped with knowledge, skills and opportunities chose to remain abroad and devote their talents exclusively to other societies.

“Our country needs graduates who can think independently, question constructively, innovate responsibly and work collaboratively.

“Some of you may be planning to travel abroad, either immediately or in the near future, to pursue postgraduate studies or explore better opportunities. These are worthy aspirations

“I urge you, equally, not to lose sight of the country you are leaving behind. Nigeria will not make the progress we desire if those equipped with knowledge, skills and opportunities choose to remain elsewhere and devote their talents exclusively to the development of other societies,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Philip Oguntunde, described the convocation lecture as an important part of the institution’s academic activities.

He said the lecture provided an opportunity to go beyond celebrating academic achievements and engage graduates and other members of the university community on issues that could broaden their perspectives and inspire responsible action.