The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has declared that Nigeria’s future depends not on passive degree holders but on graduates who are prepared to think critically and actively confront the nation’s challenges.
Hamzat made the assertion on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun State, while serving as chairman at the 15th convocation lecture of Fountain University.
He was represented at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Layode Olanrewaju.
Addressing concerns that many graduates struggle to meet the evolving demands of today’s labour market, the deputy governor urged the graduating students to embrace compassion and view graduation as a turning point that ushers them into new responsibilities and real-world experiences.
He advised the graduands to put into practice the skills and values instilled in them by the university, stressing that academic achievement alone was no longer sufficient in a rapidly changing world.
“The world does not need more passive graduates; it needs active citizens. It needs solution builders, bridge-makers across divisions, and stewards of our collective future.
“You have been equipped with specialised knowledge and the ability to think critically. However, there is a third and even more essential quality you must develop, wisdom, guided by compassion.”
“Let your thoughts evolve positively. Continually reassess your ideas and be ready to apply your trained minds to the diverse challenges and experiences life will present,” he added.
Delivering the convocation lecture titled ‘From Faith to Fortune: Building a Prosperous Ummah Through Leadership, Education, Innovation, and Economic Empowerment’, the guest lecturer, Kazeem Adeduntan, called on Islamic scholars to expand their influence beyond religious spaces into economic and technological leadership.
Adeduntan, founder and president of Sequoia Holdings, described the global Muslim community as an untapped force, urging scholars to develop expertise in emerging fields such as Islamic digital ethics, Islamic venture finance, and Islamic biomedical law.
He argued that Islamic leadership must evolve from a position of caution to one of confident and responsible stewardship.
“Our scholars are the guardians of our moral and ethical values,” Adeduntan said. “But in the 21st century, those values must also guide boardrooms, financial markets, and digital platforms. If moral leadership does not illuminate these spaces, they will be left to systems devoid of ethical restraint.”
Earlier in her address, the Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Prof. Ramota Karim, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and service to humanity.
She disclosed that the university invested more than N2.7 billion in capital projects during the academic session and pledged that the institution would continue to adapt to global trends while remaining anchored to its core values.
Karim also presented the graduation statistics for the 15th convocation, noting that a total of 426 undergraduate students were produced.
This included 43 First Class graduates, 190 Second Class Upper, 135 Second Class Lower, 51 Third Class, and seven Pass degree holders.
She added that 81 postgraduate students would also be awarded advanced degrees, including a doctoral degree in Microbiology under the Department of Biological Sciences.
Nigeria needs active citizens, not passive graduates – Lagos Deputy Governor, Hamzat
Nigeria needs active citizens, not passive graduates – Lagos Deputy Governor, Hamzat
