The Prochancellor of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan and a former Minister of State for Finance, Remi Babalola has charged 156 new graduates of the University to embrace innovation and resilience in the face of life challenges.
Delivering his address at the University’s convocation ceremony, on Thursday, Babalola who also pairs as the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council said: “As you begin a new chapter of your life, I challenge you to alter your perspective consciously and intentionally on life and circumstances. Locate opportunities in every obstacle, build strength in your struggles, turn your setbacks to stepping stones, and build resilience even in rejection.”
Emphasizing the importance of global thinking, Babalola encouraged the graduates to “be global in your mindset in order to compete favourably in whatever path you choose and remain relevant.”
Describing the graduates as ambassadors of knowledge, innovation, and progress, Babalola said their education is a powerful tool for problem-solving with the potential to break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and create opportunities for them to attain their dream.
He lauded their education very significant given the socio-economic challenges Nigeria faces, ranging from low productivity levels, a staggering inflation rate of over 30%, high unemployment and underemployment to continuous weakening of the domestic currency.
Speaking further, Babalola impressed on the mind of the graduates to be prepared to put into practice the resilient and adaptive skills they have received while staying true to the values of integrity, character, can-do spirit, and excellence as they move to the next chapter of their lives. He pointed out that their graduation is a proof of a greater and brighter future ahead of them and therefore urged them not to give up on their audacious dream.
“Your graduation today is a testament to a greater and brighter future ahead. Never give up on yourself or your audacious dreams. If you have not yet envisioned your future, now is the time to do so and create your own reality. Remember, the bigger your dream, the greater the cost or sacrifice needed to achieve it,” He said.
Describing them as part of the latest generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers, Babalola encouraged the graduates to embrace each challenge with courage, each opportunity with enthusiasm, and each moment with gratitude.
Babalola stressed the commitment of the University’s Governing Council to the transformative growth of the University, noting that the Council is continuously working in collaboration with the Management to ensure the availability of best-in-class academic facilities and experienced faculty to nurture graduates with employable skills who are ready to contribute to Nigeria’s transformation into a major player on the global stage in keeping with the University’s mission.
In order to institutionalise high-level standards across non-academic areas of the University, the former minister stated that the University Council had put together a quality assurance team made of council members with the requisite expertise to work in close collaboration with the University management to set up and maintain industry standards in the University.
Professor Toyin Falola, a distinguished historian from the University of Texas, USA, delivered the convocation lecture as the guest lecturer. His lecture was entitled: “Advancing Nigeria’s Future”.
The convocation ceremony was attended by the Chancellor and Founder, Bashorun Kola Daisi, who was represented by His Royal Majesty, Oba Abiodun Koladaisi, alongside the Chairmen and members of the Board of Trustees, members of the Governing Council, the management and staff of the University, parents and guardians of the graduates, invited guests and other well-wishers.
