Former Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola has cautioned University of Ilorin graduates from falling for the trap of quick and easy money.
Such endeavors, he argued, frequently have dire repercussions.
At the university’s 40th Convocation Lecture, which focused on “The Gen Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World,” he revealed this.
Fashola assured the 11,886 graduating students that the only long-term routes to success in life are still integrity, hard effort, and discipline.
According to the former Minister of Works, Housing, and Power, the younger generation needs to fight against the increasing social pressure to obtain wealth through unethical means.
Stressing that there is always a cost to taking a shortcut to fortune, he advised them to stay away from partnerships or business endeavors that boast of inexplicable wealth.
He cautioned, “Nowhere in the world is there easy and quick money that does not have consequences.”
Fashola counseled the pupils to embrace the virtues of study and caution and to respond patiently to life’s obstacles.
“Your life depends on it, therefore put in a lot of effort at work. During your NYSC exercise, show consideration for your guests, don’t take advantage of their hospitality, and be friendly with your coworkers,” he continued.
He encouraged them to enjoy their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting, calling it a chance to experience Nigeria’s social and cultural diversity.
He claims that “you will encounter various cuisines, cultures, and customs.” Take them in. I’ve kept up friendships from my youth ministry 38 years ago.
Fashola also advised the graduates to maintain their modesty following the year of service and get ready for life without the monthly stipend.
“There will be no further stipends following service. “Remain close to your family because they will support you through difficult times,” he stated.
Noting that stability depends on financial discipline, he urged them to develop the practice of saving at every stage of life.
“Always find opportunities in difficulties and never engage in acts they will later be ashamed of,” he counseled them.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s creation of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to aid impoverished students was praised by Mr. Abiodun Aluko, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, in his remarks.
Additionally, he praised the President for granting the N50 billion academic earned allowance, which he described as a settlement to a long-running agitation that began in 2022.
Ten members of the university’s academic staff were recently listed as some of the most referenced scholars on Google Scholar, according to the report’s vice chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN).
The National Universities Commission (NUC) granted full accreditation to 36 of the university’s 37 programs, he continued, while one program was granted interim accreditation.
According to Egbewole, 11,868 students graduated this year, including 316 with First Class, 4,120 with Upper Division Second Class, 5,939 with Lower Division Second Class, 1,078 with Third Class, and 11 with Pass.
In addition, the convocation produced 175 MB;BS graduates, 94 nursing graduates, 40 optometrists, 36 veterinary medicine graduates, 64 physiotherapists, and 13 diploma holders.
In addition, he announced that 1,520 advanced degrees would be granted, including 234 PhDs, 916 Master’s degrees, 188 Professional Master’s degrees, and 182 Postgraduate Diplomas.
