By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Chancellor of Ballsbridge University, Prof. Charles Idahosa, on Thursday, urged graduating students of the institution to join in nation building, and execute actions that will positively impact society.
Idahosa said this at the 2025 Joint Convocation/Induction programme, organised by the institution, in collaboration with the Institute of Commercial Management, United Kingdom (ICM-UK).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convocation lecture was held in Ikeja and was titled: “Closing the Thought Gap”
The Chancellor, who was represented by Dr. Marius Ahonon, said that rapid changes in the world, is driven by technology, innovation and global competition.
He urged the graduands to seize the opportunity to make impact.
“Convocation ceremonies are not merely academic traditions, they are milestones of purpose and hope.
“They remind us that through hard work, vision, and discipline, dreams can be achieved.
“Our graduating students have walked through challenges, persevered through uncertainties, and today, they stand tall as ambassadors of knowledge and integrity.
” As you step beyond these walls, remember that your education is not an end, but a foundation to rise above limitation and challenges.
” I urge you to be creators and not just seekers of jobs, to be solution-builders and not complainers; leaders, and not just followers; the world awaits your ideas, courage, and contribution,” he said.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor (VC) and academic staff of the university for their commitment to academic excellence, research and moral guidance.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of ICM-UK, Mr Adair Ford, urged the newly inductees to embrace the opportunities ahead, and uphold the values of integrity and innovation.
Ford, represented by Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeogu, highlighted the need to embrace professional expertise, describing it as the engine of economic growth which drives innovation.
He noted that Nigeria has witnessed the transformation in finance, logistics, human resource management, and strategic governance, through through specialised skills, adding that the institute has empowered thousands of learners.
“We celebrate our new members who have chosen to align themselves with ICM-UK, a leading institution for professional development.
“Becoming parts of the ICM family, means joining a global network of professionals committed to advancing commercial and managerial expertise across industries.
“We urge you to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large,” he said.
In his remark, Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abba Michael, urged the graduands and inductees to be guardian of moral excellence, pioneers of progress and torch bearer of truth.
“It is not the robe that exalts the scholar, you came as seekers of knowledge but you have ascended as ambassadors of wisdom and virtue, through diligence and devotion.
“The world awaits your impact as panacea, let your intellect inspire innovation, and let your compassion build your communities and beyond ,” he said.
In the same vein, a former Vice-Chancellor of Southwestern University in Ogun, Prof. Amusa Adetunji, urged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the institute, and make impact in their next phase of life.
Adetunji, urged Nigerian youths to pursue academic excellence, and champion developmental growth in the country and the globe.
“I congratulate you for your academic excellence and I charge you to be worthy ambassadors of your institution, make impact and contribute your quota to nation building,” he said.
He, however, called for the establishment of more universities, to accommodate the teeming population of youths
“If the present youth population is 100 million, in the next five years the population will increase and for them to pursue academic excellence, we must have move universities that will accommodate our youths,” he said
NAN reports that a total of 37 students bagged various bachelor’s degree (B.Sc), 18 received master’s degrees, 11 bagged Ph.D degrees, while seven where inducted into the ICM.
