AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
At the third convocation of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU) in Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other distinguished speakers called on the graduating class to actively contribute to societal development and take on roles as ethical leaders.
The ceremony, held at PCU’s University Auditorium, honored 118 graduates and emphasized their potential to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Governor Makinde, delivering a keynote lecture on ‘Faith, leadership and governance: Preparing the next generation for ethical leadership in Nigeria,’ highlighted the urgent need for ethical governance.
He warned that when ethical people avoid politics, the system becomes dominated by individuals lacking integrity, resulting in poor governance. Makinde stressed that his administration has worked to rebuild public trust by fostering transparency and accountability, raising Oyo State’s budget performance from 35per cent to over 70per cent during his tenure.
The governor urged graduates to consider public service and to embody ethical leadership by being teachable, humble, and committed to the public good. “Good people must not shy away from politics,” he said, adding that ethical leadership requires integrity and moral courage, even in challenging situations. Citing his decision not to implement a full lockdown in Oyo State during the COVID-19 pandemic, Makinde illustrated the importance of responsible leadership based on data and scientific reasoning.
Accompanying the governor were top officials, including Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, and Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, among others.
PCU’s Vice-Chancellor commended the graduates’ achievements, noting that 14 earned First-Class honors, while others excelled in various disciplines. The ceremony also saw the conferment of honorary degrees on Bishop Felix Owolabi and Rev. Gbeminiyi Eboda for their dedication to faith and service.
Dr. Samson Adegoke, Chairman of PCU’s Governing Board, expressed pride in the university’s commitment to fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth. He urged graduates to be reliable, trustworthy and committed to societal advancement, reminding them that true education is a call to serve humanity.
Abraham Motolani Akinwole, the best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.98 in Physics with Electronics, represented his peers in a speech. He encouraged them to embody the progressive values instilled at PCU and to be agents of change in Nigeria and Africa. “Let us reject stereotypes and work towards a future marked by collaboration and innovation,” Akinwole said.
Retired Nigerian footballer Dr. Felix Owolabi also advised the graduates not to adopt an entitlement mentality but to create impact and avoid dependency. Emphasizing the potential for greatness within Nigeria, he encouraged them to be job creators in a developing economy. He noted that despite challenges, international entities like Microsoft and the U.S. government continue to invest in Nigeria, underscoring its resilience.
Bishop Francis Wale Oke, PCU’s Chancellor, prayed for the graduates’ success and reminded them of the importance of faith. He celebrated PCU’s record of no student fatalities since its inception, attributing this blessing to divine protection.
In his written address, Bishop Oke advised graduates to face life’s challenges with resilience and remain anchored in the godly values imparted to them at PCU. “Life is not a straight path, but with curiosity, integrity, and faith, you will navigate its complexities and make a lasting impact,” he concluded.
