Ex-minister of power, works and housing Babatunde Fashola has urged young people to remain in the country and chart their own paths amid the difficulties.
The former Lagos governor spoke on Saturday at the combined eighth and ninth convocation ceremonies of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo.
“Why did Mrs Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi who have contributed to Nigeria not run away ? Why are they still here? Times were equally tough in their younger days that propelled the popular musician Dr Victor Olaiya’s song Ilu le o, ko s’owo l’ode…. (sics) in the 60s,” said Fashola.
“The youths have become leaders in the Nigerian household, and therefore, they must embrace that responsibility. Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief (Michael) Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University.”
Ade-Ojo, founder of the University, said he was fulfilled with the vision of the institution producing world-class graduates and supporting education in the country.
Ade-Ojo explained that despite the lack of financial returns on his investments in the university, he was happy that the institution’s graduates are competing globally.
“I have been intentionally sacrificial with my investment in the university. It, therefore, gladdens my heart to see the seeds I sowed to humanity, already bringing forth useful fruits. My vision has always been to provide world-class education right here in Nigeria, and while there’s still work to be done, I am pleased with how far we have come,” he said.
Ade-Ojo urged the university to always place emphasis on research and entrepreneurship training, noting that it will equip students to contribute meaningfully to national development.
