Paragraph 1: The Imperative of Adaptability and Innovation in a Changing World
Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Industrialisation at the African Development Bank, delivered a compelling call to action to the graduating class of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). His address, titled "Can Nigeria Thrive in Times of Tumultuous and Rapid Technological Changes?", emphasized the need for graduates to adapt to the realities of a rapidly transforming global economy. He urged them to eschew complacency and embrace entrepreneurship and digital literacy as essential tools for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. With Africa’s burgeoning youth population facing significant unemployment and underemployment, Oyelaran-Oyeyinka stressed the importance of moving beyond the traditional pursuit of public sector jobs and cultivating the skills and mindset necessary to create value and drive economic growth.
Paragraph 2: Embracing Entrepreneurship and Digital Skills for a Brighter Future
Oyelaran-Oyeyinka’s message to the graduating class was one of empowerment and responsibility. He challenged them to rise above the ordinary, embrace their potential as agents of change, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria and Africa. He encouraged them to view challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for innovation and growth. He emphasized the importance of acquiring digital skills, recognizing that the digital economy is rapidly reshaping the employment landscape and creating new avenues for entrepreneurship. He urged the graduates to combine their university education with practical skills, particularly in the digital realm, to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Paragraph 3: A Roadmap for Nigeria’s Economic Transformation
Beyond individual empowerment, Oyelaran-Oyeyinka outlined a strategic roadmap for Nigeria’s economic transformation. He identified six crucial steps for the nation to thrive in the face of rapid global change: diversifying the economy away from its dependence on crude oil, bolstering technological capacity, promoting industrialization and modernizing agriculture, ensuring internal security and political stability, investing in rural transformation, and fostering innovation and digital literacy. These interconnected strategies, he argued, are essential for unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential and ensuring its sustainable economic growth.
Paragraph 4: Harnessing the Potential of Agriculture and Rural Development
Oyelaran-Oyeyinka highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, urging the nation to capitalize on the burgeoning global food systems market. He emphasized the need for agribusiness development and increased investment in rural transformation, addressing the persistent challenges of underdeveloped infrastructure, limited access to education, and inadequate land ownership in rural communities. By empowering rural communities and modernizing agricultural practices, Nigeria could significantly boost its economic output and improve the livelihoods of millions.
Paragraph 5: Leadership, Vision, and the Role of the Elite
Oyelaran-Oyeyinka pointedly addressed the critical role of leadership in shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory. He attributed Nigeria’s past economic setbacks to poor choices made by the elite and stressed the urgent need for visionary leadership to guide the nation towards a more prosperous future. He called for a shift in mindset among the elite, urging them to prioritize the nation’s collective well-being over self-interest. He emphasized that true leadership entails making decisions that benefit the entire population and pave the way for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Paragraph 6: Celebrating Excellence and Inspiring Future Generations
In a gesture that underscored his commitment to nurturing young talent, Oyelaran-Oyeyinka presented cash gifts to the best graduating student and five other outstanding graduates in technology-related fields. This recognition served as a powerful symbol of encouragement and a testament to the importance of investing in education and innovation. The Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. Razaq Kalilu, lauded Oyelaran-Oyeyinka’s convocation lecture as a timely and insightful contribution, highlighting its potential to inspire the graduating class to become active participants in building a better Nigeria. The lecture’s interrogative approach, he noted, effectively diagnosed Nigeria’s challenges while simultaneously charting a clear path towards a more prosperous future. The event concluded with a resounding message of hope and a charge to the Class of 2025 to embrace their roles as change-makers and shape a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa.
