- a competitive world where jobs are scarce and distractions abound
- graduates to use social media responsibly to promote their work and values
- Unilorin is graduating 13,868 students, including 316 First Class honours
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, has urged Nigerian youths—especially recent graduates—to embrace hard work, discipline, and integrity as they transition into the real world.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Fashola gave the advice during the 40th Convocation Lecture of the University of Ilorin, titled “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World.”
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Speaking to the graduating class, he congratulated them on their achievement and praised their parents and lecturers for their support. He noted that while convocation is a moment of celebration, the real test begins after school, in a competitive world where jobs are scarce and distractions abound.
“You’re entering a defining phase of life,” he said. “Let your values and upbringing guide your decisions.”
Fashola stressed the importance of character and warned against the deceptive nature of social media, where perception often overshadows reality. He advised graduates to use social media responsibly to promote their work and values, not to display indecency or engage in toxic content.
He also gave financial advice, urging students to save, invest wisely, and avoid betting or gambling, which he described as unsustainable. “Save money, invest in land—not in flashy cars or temporary trends,” he said.
Fashola encouraged the graduates to take full advantage of their NYSC year, respect their host communities, and build lasting relationships and networks.
Highlighting Nigeria’s global cultural rise, he charged the youth to use their talents to pursue global opportunities and showcase the Nigerian dream.
“The world is waiting for your brilliance. Have courage, build character, and stay true to your values,” he concluded.
Unilorin is graduating 13,868 students, including 316 First Class honours, during its 40th Convocation, which also marks its 50th anniversary.
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