Japa: Fashola Urges Nigerian Youth to Stay and Build Nation Amid Economic Challenges

• Fashola urges Nigerian youth to resist leaving the country, encouraging them to contribute to national growth despite economic challenges
• Ade-Ojo, Elizade University founder, emphasizes the importance of research and entrepreneurship training to equip students for national development

Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, has advised Nigerian youth to resist the urge to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad, urging them to remain and contribute to national growth despite current economic challenges.

Speaking on Saturday at the 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies of Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Fashola acknowledged the difficult conditions but encouraged young people to push forward and aim for roles where they can influence decisions.

“Why did Mrs Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi who have contributed to Nigeria not run away ? Why are they still here? Times were equally tough in their younger days, propelling the popular musician Dr Victor Olaiya’s song Ilu le o, ko show love…. (sics) in the 60s.

“The youths have become leaders in the Nigerian household, and therefore, they must embrace that responsibility. Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University.” he said.

He reminded the youth of their role as leaders within society, questioning, “Do leaders run away when it gets tough?”

Michael Ade-Ojo, the founder of Elizade University, shared his vision of supporting education in Nigeria by establishing a world-class university.

Despite financial sacrifices, Ade-Ojo expressed satisfaction seeing Elizade graduates compete internationally. He urged the university to emphasize research and entrepreneurship training to equip students to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s development.

Prof. Kayode Ijadunola, Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing skilled graduates who can address Nigeria’s economic and technological challenges, stating, “With a growing research portfolio and strong community ties, Elizade University is set to continue its upward trajectory in Nigerian higher education.”