Graduating students of Rivers State University (RSU) have received a powerful charge to become innovators and job creators, moving beyond the traditional pursuit of government employment. This clarion call was delivered by distinguished guests during the institution's combined 37th and 38th convocation lecture held recently.
A Call for Creative Problem-Solvers
Dumo Lulu-Briggs, former Rivers State governorship candidate of the Accord Party and Chairman of the lecture, addressed the graduating class directly. He emphasized that the contemporary world is being reshaped not by natural resources, but by the power of creative thought and entrepreneurial courage.
"The world our graduates are entering is shaped not by mineral wealth but by creativity, adaptability, and courage," Lulu-Briggs stated. He challenged the students to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture characterized by curiosity and responsible leadership. His advice was clear: scrutinize society, identify gaps, and build profitable, scalable ventures that offer real benefits.
He further highlighted the non-negotiable role of technology as a universal language, urging universities to integrate it core into curricula to prepare students for future careers. Above all, he reminded them that progress hinges on people, advocating for values like empathy, integrity, and service to build strong institutions.
Building Value as Nation Builders
The guest lecturer, Dr. Daere Akobo, expanded on this theme while speaking on "Joint University-Industry Ventures: Entrepreneurship, Technology, Sustainability, and People Nexus for Rivers State University." He urged the graduates to leverage their knowledge to construct solutions, positioning themselves at the critical intersection of technology, sustainability, people, and systems.
"Do not leave this university thinking of yourselves only as job seekers. See yourselves also as nation builders," Dr. Akobo advised powerfully. He explained that whether working in an established company, launching a startup, or serving in the public sector, the fundamental task remains value creation.
He redefined entrepreneurship as a proactive mindset focused on improvement, building, and excellence. "If you adopt that mindset, you will never be idle, because there will always be something to fix and someone to serve," he concluded, encouraging the university to continue molding future leaders and calling for partner support for applied research.
University's Commitment to Bridging Gaps
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zep-Obipi, set the stage for the discussion. He acknowledged that society's complex challenges demand innovative growth and solutions that effectively bridge the divide between academic theory and industrial practice.
"By working together, we can harness the power of entrepreneurship, technology, and sustainability to create new opportunities and drive economic growth," Professor Zep-Obipi asserted, reinforcing the university's readiness to lead in this vital direction.
The resounding message from the convocation lecture is a strategic shift in mindset for Nigerian graduates: from seeking scarce government positions to actively creating opportunities through innovation, sustainable practices, and a steadfast commitment to adding value to the economy and society at large.
