Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has criticized the current administration, claiming that there are more “Yahoo people” in government than outside of it. Obi made this statement during his keynote address as the guest speaker at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University.
Speaking on the theme, “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future,” Obi highlighted the country’s struggle with corruption, describing it as a major impediment to progress. He stated, “When we talk about vices, it’s not just about Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people in government than outside it. We’ve turned the entire country into a crime scene where both insiders and outsiders are stealing.”
Obi emphasized the urgent need for quality leadership to steer the country toward progress, urging graduates to take up the mantle of change. “Leadership is about having strong character and the ability to resist doing the wrong thing. Use the knowledge you’ve acquired today to help bring positive change to society,” he advised. “You are victims of Nigeria’s past leadership failures, but you have the power to shape a better future.”
Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Obi Ezekwesili, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of service as the foundation of effective leadership. She encouraged the graduates to focus on making meaningful contributions in their communities and workplaces. “Service is the heart of leadership. Graduation is not just an achievement but an opportunity to impact your society positively,” she remarked.
The founder of Nexford University, Fadl Al Tarzi, revealed that over 1,200 students earned degrees during the ceremony, including undergraduate and Master’s degrees. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve education, particularly through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“We’ve been offering an AI specialization for nearly five years and have integrated AI into all our courses. AI has the potential to connect Nigerian talents to global opportunities, boost productivity, and solve long-standing challenges more efficiently,” Al Tarzi explained. However, he cautioned that while AI could enhance economies, it might also displace some jobs, making it vital for individuals to adapt.
One of the graduates, Yewande Matthew, who achieved first-class honors in Digital Marketing, shared her journey of balancing excitement and hard work. She attributed her success to effective time management and prioritizing tasks.
