Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun Charges Graduates to Solve Nigeria’s Challenges, Bags Babcock Good Governance Award.

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has challenged Nigerian graduates to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired through their academic pursuits to develop practical solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the country, urging them to combine innovation with integrity as they prepare to shape the nation’s future.

The governor gave the charge on Tuesday while delivering the convocation lecture at the Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he was also honoured with the university’s Award of Good Governance and announced cash rewards for the institution’s best graduating students.

Governor Dapo Abiodun receiving the award.

Speaking on the theme, “Breaking New Grounds,” Governor Abiodun said universities are not merely centres for acquiring knowledge but institutions that prepare individuals to apply learning for the advancement of humanity.

He described the graduands as some of the brightest minds of their generation whose scholarship, innovation, leadership, and character would shape the future of Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world.

“Universities occupy a unique place in human civilisation. They do far more than transmit information; they sharpen minds, refine convictions, mould character, and prepare citizens capable of advancing society,” he said.

Governor Abiodun commended Babcock University for consistently demonstrating that education achieves its highest purpose when intellectual excellence is complemented by moral responsibility, stressing that competence without character could become dangerous.

According to him, the true measure of education lies not in what graduates know, but in how they apply that knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

The governor highlighted his administration’s commitment to transforming education in Ogun State, noting that the sector has witnessed unprecedented reforms through the Ogun REHAB Initiative, which has led to the renovation of public schools and improved learning environments across the state.

He added that more than 6,000 teachers have been recruited under the OgunTeach Programme to strengthen teaching and learning in public schools.

According to him, the reforms underscore his administration’s belief that education is not merely a social service but the most strategic investment in the future of the people.

“By combining infrastructure renewal with digital innovation, data-driven planning, teacher empowerment, and strategic partnerships with institutions like Babcock University, we are building an educational ecosystem where knowledge inspires innovation, research drives enterprise, and planning produces globally competitive graduates equipped to lead in a knowledge-based economy,” he said.

Governor Abiodun urged the graduates to embrace innovation without compromising integrity, noting that the future belongs to those who combine technological excellence with ethical leadership.

Describing the convocation as not merely the end of an academic journey but the beginning of a lifelong responsibility, the governor reminded the graduates that while degrees confer honour, character and service ultimately define the value of education.

He reaffirmed that education remains the cornerstone of his administration’s vision for sustainable development, assuring that the state government would continue to invest heavily in the sector because the prosperity of tomorrow depends on the quality of education provided today.

Congratulating the graduating students and the management of Babcock University, Governor Abiodun commended the institution for sustaining its reputation as one of Africa’s foremost faith-based universities, where academic excellence is combined with character development.

He urged the graduates to continue exploring new frontiers in knowledge, leadership, enterprise, and human development, noting that every scientific breakthrough and technological innovation began with the courage to challenge conventional thinking.

While acknowledging the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and digital innovation, the governor cautioned that technology alone cannot define humanity’s future without sound values and ethical leadership.

As part of his support for academic excellence, Governor Abiodun announced cash rewards of ₦1.5 million for the overall best Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) student, ₦2 million for the best Master’s graduate, ₦2.5 million for the best PhD graduate, and ₦2.5 million for the overall best undergraduate student.

Earlier, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olatunde Oyewole, said the institution has continued to contribute significantly to the development of its host community, Ogun State, and Nigeria through human capital development and infrastructural support.

He noted that the university remains committed to producing globally competitive graduates who are solution providers dedicated to serving humanity.

Prof. Oyewole disclosed that the 183 PhD graduates and over 2,000 postgraduate students being celebrated had been equipped with the knowledge, character, skills, and discipline required to make meaningful contributions to society.

While commending Governor Abiodun for the developmental strides recorded in Ogun State, the Vice-Chancellor urged students, staff, and graduates to register and participate actively in future elections, stressing that meaningful national development depends on citizens electing competent leaders.

The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Award of Good Governance on Governor Abiodun in recognition of his transformational leadership and commitment to good governance.

Also honoured at the event were the former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako, who were among those awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.