The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized the need for Nigerian universities to produce active citizens who can solve the country’s problems, rather than just churning out passive graduates. He made this statement at the 15th Convocation lecture of Fountain University in Osogbo, Osun State, where he was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Layode Olanrewaju.
Hamzat advised the graduating students to be compassionate and to see their graduation as a transition period into the realities of life. He also urged them to apply the skills they acquired during their time at the university to the challenges they will face in life. According to him, the world needs architects of solutions, heirs of divisions, and stewards of a shared future, rather than just passive graduates.
The convocation lecturer, Dr. Kazeem Adeduntan, also emphasized the need for Islamic scholars to move from being custodians of mosques to architects of economies. He described Muslims as “sleeping giants” who need to recognize scholars of Islamic Digital Ethics, Islamic Venture Finance, and Islamic Biomedical Law. Adeduntan stressed the need for a shift from a posture of fear to one of confident stewardship.
Fountain University’s Vice Chancellor, Ramota Karim, stated that the institution remains committed to advancing knowledge, nurturing character, and serving humanity with distinction. The university invested over N2.7 billion in capital projects during the academic session and will continue to uphold its ideals while responding to global demands.
A total of 507 students graduated from the university, including 426 undergraduates and 81 postgraduate students. The graduating class included 43 First Class Honours, 190 Second Class Upper, 135 Second Class Lower, 51 Third Class, and 7 Pass degree graduates. The university also conferred a PhD in the Department of Biological Science (Microbiology option) on one of its students.
The emphasis on producing active citizens and architects of solutions reflects the need for Nigerian universities to focus on developing graduates who can contribute to the country’s development and solve its problems. This approach is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economic and social development, as well as its global competitiveness.
