Gov. Abiodun Urges Graduates to Drive National Transformation, Bags Babcock Good Governance Award, Rewards Outstanding Students
…Governor says Nigeria needs solution providers, not certificate holders
…Announces ₦8.5m cash rewards for best graduating students
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has challenged Nigerian graduates to move beyond the pursuit of academic certificates and become innovative problem-solvers capable of addressing the Country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
The Governor made the call on Tuesday July 21 2026, 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 honoured with the university’s prestigious Award of Good Governance for his transformational leadership and commitment to public service.
Speaking on the lecture theme, “Breaking New Grounds,” Governor Abiodun described universities as institutions that should produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, integrity, and vision to transform society rather than merely award degrees.
According to him, the graduating students represent one of the brightest generations of scholars whose innovation, leadership, and character will shape not only Nigeria but the African continent and the global community.
He stressed that higher education should inspire graduates to create practical solutions to real-life challenges, noting that the true value of education lies in its ability to improve lives and advance humanity.
“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,” the governor said.
Governor Abiodun commended Babcock University for maintaining a tradition of combining academic excellence with character development, emphasizing that competence without integrity poses a danger to society.
He maintained that education should produce responsible leaders who can make ethical decisions while embracing innovation and technological advancement.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to educational development, the governor said Ogun State has recorded remarkable progress through the Ogun REHAB Initiative, which has transformed learning environments by renovating public schools across the state.
He added that the recruitment of over 6,000 teachers under the OgunTeach Programme has significantly strengthened the quality of teaching and learning in public schools.
Governor Abiodun noted that his administration considers education the most strategic investment for sustainable development, explaining that ongoing reforms are designed to build an educational ecosystem driven by infrastructure renewal, digital innovation, data-based planning, teacher empowerment, and strategic partnerships with institutions such as Babcock University.
He said these initiatives are aimed at producing globally competitive graduates capable of thriving in a knowledge-based economy.
The Governor urged the graduates to embrace emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotechnology, quantum computing, and digital innovation, while ensuring that technological advancement is guided by ethical values and responsible leadership.
According to him, the future belongs to individuals who combine innovation with integrity.
Describing the convocation ceremony as the beginning of a lifelong responsibility rather than the end of an academic journey, Governor Abiodun reminded the graduands that although degrees confer honour, it is character, service, and positive societal impact that ultimately define the worth of education.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising education, assuring that the Ogun State Government would continue to invest heavily in the sector because the prosperity of future generations depends on the quality of education available today.
Governor Abiodun congratulated the graduating students, management, and governing council of Babcock University for sustaining the institution’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading faith-based universities known for producing graduates with sound moral values and academic excellence.
As part of his commitment to promoting academic excellence, the governor announced cash rewards for the institution’s outstanding graduating students.
He approved ₦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 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduate, and ₦2.5 million for the overall best undergraduate student, bringing the total reward package to ₦8.5 million.
Earlier, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olatunde Oyewole, said the university has continued to contribute meaningfully to national development through quality education, human capital development, and community service.
He disclosed that 183 PhD graduates and over 2,000 postgraduate students were produced during the convocation, expressing confidence that they had been adequately equipped with the knowledge, discipline, and values required to become solution providers and responsible global citizens.
Prof. Oyewole also praised Governor Abiodun for his developmental achievements in Ogun State and encouraged students, staff, and graduates to participate actively in the nation’s democratic process by registering and voting during elections.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the conferment of the Award of Good Governance on Governor Abiodun in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to educational development, and dedication to good governance.
Also honoured during the event were the former Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako, who were among distinguished personalities awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
