Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, has criticized the current administration, accusing it of harboring more “Yahoo people” within its ranks than outside. Obi made the bold claim during his keynote address at Nexford University’s 4th graduation ceremony, themed “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future.”
Speaking to the graduating class, Obi decried the deep-seated corruption in governance, likening Nigeria to a “crime scene” where public officials and private individuals alike exploit resources.
“For governance, don’t think when we talk about vices, it is only Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people in government than there are outside because we have turned the entire country into a crime scene where people inside are stealing, and people outside are stealing,” Obi stated.
He urged the graduates to prioritize leadership with integrity, calling on them to use their education as a tool for positive societal change.
“It is about leadership and igniting the future. It is not rocket science, but it is difficult. It is about having a strong character and the ability not to do the wrong thing. Use what you have learned to help us change society,” Obi advised.
The event also featured remarks from former Minister of Solid Minerals, Obi Ezekwesili, who underscored the importance of service in leadership.
“Service is the best of leadership. We hope that you see graduation as the opportunity for service to the world. The world of work you are in is different from ours. You have to master it,” Ezekwesili said.
Fadl Al Tarzi, Nexford University’s founder, highlighted the institution’s focus on innovation, announcing that over 1,200 students graduated this year with degrees spanning first degrees to Master’s. He emphasized the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all courses, emphasizing its potential to boost productivity and connect Nigerian talents with global opportunities.
“We have had an AI specialization for almost five years, and we have integrated AI into all our programmes. AI could help Nigerian talents connect with global opportunities and improve the economy,” Al Tarzi noted.
One of the standout graduates, Yewande Matthew, who achieved a first-class degree in Digital Marketing, shared her story of academic success, attributing it to effective time management and prioritization.
The ceremony reflected the theme’s emphasis on leadership, innovation, and the drive to ignite meaningful change in society.
