Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, has called on Nigerian youths—especially fresh graduates—to embrace hard work, personal discipline, and integrity as they transition into life after school.
Fashola gave the charge on Wednesday during the 40th Convocation Lecture of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, titled “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World.”
Addressing the graduating class, Fashola congratulated the students and praised their parents and lecturers for their contributions. However, he emphasized that while convocation is a moment of joy, the real challenge lies ahead, as graduates enter a world filled with competition, distractions, and tough choices.“You are stepping into a defining phase of your lives where many will be chasing jobs that are not enough,” Fashola warned.
“Your values, instincts, and what your parents taught you about right and wrong should guide you.”
He advised the graduates to prioritize courage and character, especially in a digital age shaped by social media and artificial intelligence, warning that online platforms often project false realities and can manipulate behavior.“The real world is different from the world of gloss and perception you see on social media,” he cautioned.
While acknowledging the power of social media, he encouraged the youths to use it positively to promote their work and achievements, but strongly discouraged posting indecent content, engaging in hate speech, or participating in online conflicts.“Social media can be a useful tool to showcase the positive parts of you, but not your body parts,” he quipped.
On financial discipline, Fashola urged the graduates to save, invest wisely, and avoid gambling and betting, which he described as unsustainable paths to wealth.“Unless you are the operator, gambling is not a sustainable path to prosperity,” he said.
He further advised them to invest in land and avoid spending on fleeting luxuries like cars and fashion, which depreciate quickly. He also emphasized the value of mentorship, relationship building, and cultural openness, particularly during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.“Work hard, respect your host communities, and make friends. Some of the people I met during Youth Corps have remained my lifelong friends,” he shared.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s cultural growth, Fashola expressed optimism about the country’s rising global influence through music, fashion, and film, and encouraged youths to leverage their talents for international recognition.“The world is now your oyster. Find opportunities in difficulty, work hard, and project yourselves,” he said.
He concluded his address by encouraging the graduates to live by courage, character, and diligence, saying:“To dare is to do. Please dare and do, with hard work, integrity, and character.”
The University of Ilorin is graduating 13,868 students during its 40th Convocation Ceremonies, with 316 earning First Class honours. The convocation also coincides with the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the institution, marking 50 years of academic excellence and service.