AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Apostle Joshua Selman, founder of Eternity Network International (Koinonia Global), has urged Nigerian graduates to embrace continuous learning to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven world, warning that skills acquired only a few years ago are now rapidly becoming obsolete.
Selman gave the charge while delivering the convocation lecture titled “Beyond Certificates: Preparing Graduates for Relevance in a Knowledge-Driven Economy” at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, on Friday.
A total of 143 students graduated across various disciplines, including 14 First-Class, 65 Second-Class Upper, 47 Second-Class Lower, and 17 Third-Class degree holders. The overall best-graduating student, Eniola Kolawole Lawal of the Computer Science Department, finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.84.
During the ceremony, five prominent Christian leaders, Apostle Joshua Selman, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Poju Oyemade, Pastor Sola Osunmakinde, and Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, received honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of their spiritual leadership, humanitarian impact, and contributions to national development.
‘Graduation is not arrival but evolution’
Selman, in his lecture, said the traditional view of education as merely a pathway to obtaining certificates was no longer sufficient in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
“Graduation should not signal arrival but evolution. Move from the mentality of ‘I have arrived’ to ‘I am evolving,’” he said.
He urged graduates to adopt the “T-shaped skills” model, deep expertise in a core area complemented by broad knowledge across multiple fields.
According to him, the World Economic Forum projects that over 85 million jobs will be displaced due to automation and the shift in labour between humans and machines from 2025, a change that requires agility, innovation, and adaptability from the future workforce.
“We live in an era where artificial intelligence can write legal briefs in seconds. A university degree is no longer enough. Your degree proves you can learn; now prove that you can adapt,” he added.
Selman also warned about the moral implications of rapid technological advancement, citing the manipulation of digital content and the rise of cybercrime. He described technology as “a tree of good and evil,” urging young people to pursue knowledge responsibly.
He emphasised integrity as a non-negotiable virtue: “Skill without integrity is hollow. Our values of honesty and transparency are fast eroding. We must restore ethical standards if we want a sustainable nation.”
Depend on God to avoid disgrace – Wale Oke
In his exhortation, the Chancellor of the university, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, advised the graduates to see their degrees as a beginning rather than an end.
“Your degree is a launch pad, not a landing place. Keep learning, keep growing,” he said, quoting 2 Timothy 2:15.
Praying for the graduands, the PFN president urged them to hold firmly to their faith as their anchor in a complex world. “The rain will fall, but for those who stand on the Rock, they remain unshakeable,” he said.
Bishop Wale Oke, who is also the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), described the honorary awardees as intergenerational bridges, noting that they were selected based on their consistent record of standing on “the Rock of Ages.”
Trailblazers set – VC
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adejumo, described the 2025 graduating class as “the Trailblazers Set,” praising their resilience, innovation and ability to convert knowledge into solutions.
“Our graduates have been trained not just to seek jobs but to create them. They are empowered to commercialise their skills and knowledge,” Adejumo said.
He announced that all academic programmes of the university had received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC), affirming the institution’s commitment to quality teaching and research.
Pro-Chancellor, Bishop Dapo Asaju, also reaffirmed the Governing Council’s dedication to transforming PCU into a world-class university. He commended Bishop Wale Oke for his vision, describing the institution as “a product of divine inspiration for excellence and disruptive innovation.”
Awardees in focus
Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, renowned for the global Hallelujah Challenge, is a respected gospel minister and trumpeter. Pastor Poju Oyemade, founder of The Covenant Nation (TCN), is known for teachings on faith, leadership and national transformation.
Pastor Jerry Eze leads Streams of Joy International and is convener of the globally followed New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD). Apostle Selman is acclaimed for his teachings on spiritual growth and kingdom principles, while Pastor Sola Osunmakinde of Household of David Church is known for practical, purpose-driven sermons.
Best-graduating student speaks
The best-graduating student, Eniola Kolawole Lawal, described the day as “a moment of reflection,” urging his colleagues to remain focused and remember that the journey ahead requires vision, courage and resilience.
“This is not the end of our journey. The world awaits our contributions,” he said.
‘Make a difference, not just a living’
Earlier, Selman charged the graduates to step into society as solution providers, not job seekers.
“You are entering a world full of possibilities and complexities. The challenge is not just to make a living but to make a difference,” he said.
He encouraged them to embrace curiosity, innovation, discipline and faith. “Be relentless in the pursuit of useful knowledge. The future belongs to those who learn, unlearn and re-learn,” he added.
The ceremony ended with celebrations as PCU released what it described as its most dynamic, future-ready set of graduates into the world.
