The Chancellor of Ballsbridge University, Prof. Charles Idahosa, on Thursday urged graduating students to embrace nation-building and commit to actions that will positively transform society.
Speaking at the institution’s 2025 Joint Convocation and Induction Programme—organised in collaboration with the Institute of Commercial Management, United Kingdom (ICM-UK)—Idahosa said the world is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, innovation and intense global competition.
“Convocation ceremonies are not merely academic traditions, they are milestones of purpose and hope,” he said. “As you step beyond these walls, remember that your education is not an end, but a foundation to rise above limitations. Be creators, not just job seekers; solution-builders, not complainers; leaders, and not just followers.”
He commended the Vice-Chancellor and academic staff for sustaining a culture of academic excellence, research and moral discipline.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of ICM-UK, Mr. Adair Ford—represented by Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeogu—urged the new inductees to uphold integrity and innovation, describing professional expertise as the engine of economic growth.
Ford said specialised skills have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s transformation in finance, logistics, human resource management and governance, noting that ICM-UK has empowered thousands of learners across industries.
“By joining the ICM family, you become part of a global network committed to advancing commercial and managerial expertise,” he said.
The university’s Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Abba Michael, charged the graduands to embody moral excellence and use their intellect to drive progress in their communities.
“You came as seekers of knowledge but you have ascended as ambassadors of wisdom and virtue,” he said.
Similarly, former Vice-Chancellor of Southwestern University, Prof. Amusa Adetunji, encouraged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the institution and contribute meaningfully to national development. He also called for the establishment of more universities to cater to Nigeria’s growing youth population.
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“If our youth population is 100 million today, it will be much higher in the next five years. To provide them access to quality education, we need more universities,” he said.
A total of 37 students graduated with bachelor’s degrees, 18 received master’s degrees, 11 earned PhDs, while seven were inducted into the ICM.
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