15th Convocation: Lagos Deputy Governor Tasks Fountain University Graduates To Solve Nigeria’s Challenges
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has tasked graduates of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State to be active citizens who will solve Nigeria’s challenges.
Dr Hamzat tasked the students on Tuesday at the 15th Convocation lecture of the University, held at the main auditorium of the institution.
Represented by the Lagos State commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, the deputy governor said Nigeria no longer need passive graduates but active citizens who will solve its challenges.
Hamzat, who was the chairman of the occasion, advised the graduands to be compassionate and see the moment as a period of transition where they bear the realities of life.
He charged the graduands to always apply the skills the institution imbued in them when faced with encounters in life.
Dr Hamzat said, “As graduates, you sure have a role to play. The world does not need more passive graduates. It needs active citizens. It needs architects of solutions, heirs of divisions and stewards of your shared future.
“Yes, the university has equipped you with two fundamental tools, specialised knowledge and critical thinking. But today, I urge you to cultivate the third, even more crucial dimension, wisdom and compassion.
“Let your mind wander positively and always re-evaluate your ideas by thinking again and again. This institution has given you the skills. Be ready to apply your trained mind in various experiences and encounters you will have in life.”
In his lecture titled ‘From Faith to Fortune: Building a Prosperous Ummah Through Leadership, Education, Innovation, and Economic Empowerment’, the convocation lecturer, Dr Kazeem Adeduntan, urged Islamic scholars to move from custodians of mosques to architects of economics.
Dr Adeduntan, who is the founder and president of Sequoia Holdings, described Muslims in the world as sleeping giants who are economic passengers.
He said Muslims need recognised scholars of Islamic Digital Ethics, Islamic Venture Finance, and Islamic Biomedical Law, adding that the posture must shift from one of fear to one of confident stewardship.
Dr Adeduntan said, “Our esteemed Islamic leadership, you hold a sacred trust. The community looks to you. Your role must now evolve decisively. You must move from being custodians of mosques to architects of economies.
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“Our scholars are the custodians of our moral and ethical compass. They guide the soul. But in the 21st century, the soul does not reside only in the mosque; it operates in the boardroom, on the trading floor, and within the lines of code that govern digital transactions. If our moral guidance does not illuminate these spaces, we surrender them to an amoral, and often immoral, logic.”
Earlier in her address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ramota Karim, said the institution remained committed to advancing knowledge, nurturing character and serving humanity with distinction.
Prof. Karim said the university, during the academic session, invested over N2.7 billion in capital projects, adding that the school would continue to uphold its ideals while responding boldly to global demands.
She said: “Fountain University remains a beacon of academic excellence and moral integrity, guided by the principles of Islam. Beyond awarding degrees, we are committed to developing leaders of purpose and responsibility.
“Following this lecture, we shall proceed to commission several projects executed during this session. I am pleased to report that the University has recorded remarkable progress in infrastructural development, with over ₦2.7 billion invested in capital projects in strict alignment with our Master Plan and strategic growth objectives.
“As we celebrate our achievements and look to the future, Fountain University remains committed to advancing knowledge, nurturing character, and serving humanity with distinction.
“Guided by faith and strengthened by partnership and innovation, we will continue to uphold our ideals while responding boldly to global demands. I therefore invite all stakeholders to remain united with us in building an institution that produces ethical leaders and globally competitive graduates.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
