Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged Nigerian graduates to move beyond the search for opportunities and become creators of solutions, where he urged them to combine innovation, integrity, and resilience in addressing the country’s social and economic challenges.
The governor delivered the charge on Sunday while speaking at the 24th Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, where he was also honoured with the institution’s Leadership and Service Award for his contributions to governance and public service.
Addressing about 3,400 graduating students, parents, academics, and guests, Sanwo-Olu explained that leadership is measured less by authority than by the willingness to serve others with honesty, accountability, and purpose.
Delivering the convocation lecture titled “Breaking New Ground: Faith, Grit, and the Work of New Beginnings,” the governor encouraged members of the 2026 graduating class, christened the “NOVA Class”, to approach national development with practical ideas backed by research and evidence rather than complaints.
He maintained that governments require constructive engagement from citizens, particularly young professionals capable of developing innovative solutions to pressing national problems.
Drawing from his experience in office, Sanwo-Olu reflected on governing Lagos through the COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS protests. He described both events as defining moments that tested leadership under extraordinary pressure.
According to him, difficult periods often expose the true character of leaders and reinforce the need for courage, patience, and responsible decision-making.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight projects undertaken by his administration. He noted that Lagos had expanded investments in transportation, education, healthcare, housing, and technology over the past seven years.
He said the state’s annual budget had increased from less than ₦900 billion in 2019 to ₦4.44 trillion in 2026, while citing the Dealroom Global Tech Ecosystem Index, which ranked Lagos as the world’s fastest-growing technology ecosystem in 2025.
Sanwo-Olu said, “We established two new state universities. We are completing the largest children’s hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, introduced a digital learning revolution in our public schools, and delivered thousands of new housing units.”
The governor also commended Babcock University for sustaining academic standards and producing graduates who continue to distinguish themselves in different professions.
Earlier, the university recognised Sanwo-Olu with the Leadership and Service Award. The honour was described as recognition of his record in public administration and developmental initiatives in Lagos State.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Miss Simisola Abore said the journey through the university is demanding but rewarding and urged her fellow graduates to uphold the institution’s values while making meaningful contributions to society.
The convocation also celebrated outstanding academic performance. Miss Amosu Oluwapelumi emerged as the Overall Best Full-Time Graduating Student and received a cash prize of ₦10 million. She attributed her achievement to discipline, consistency and sustained hard work.
Beyond the awards and celebrations, the ceremony underscored a broader message to Nigeria’s newest graduates: that the country’s future depends not only on academic qualifications but also on ethical leadership, innovation, and a commitment to public service.
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