Lagos Deputy Governor Calls for “Active Citizens,” Not “Passive Graduates” in Nigeria

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has stated that Nigeria requires “active citizens” capable of solving national problems, rather than “passive graduates.” He made this declaration at the 15th convocation lecture of Fountain University in Osogbo, Osun State, where he served as chairman of the occasion.

Hamzat, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, addressed concerns about graduates lacking job-ready skills. He urged the graduating class to view their transition as an entry into real-world responsibilities, emphasizing the need for compassion, wisdom, and the practical application of their education.

“The world does not need more passive graduates,” Hamzat said. “It needs active citizens, architects of solutions and stewards of our shared future.” He argued that beyond academic knowledge, graduates must cultivate the wisdom and empathy necessary to navigate life’s complex challenges.

The guest lecturer, Kazeem Adeduntan, founder of Sequoia Holdings, expanded on this theme in a lecture titled ‘From Faith to Fortune.’ He called on Islamic scholars to evolve from religious custodians into economic leaders, describing Muslims globally as “sleeping giants” who need to develop expertise in fields like Islamic digital ethics, venture finance, and biomedical law. He stressed that moral leadership must extend from mosques into corporate boardrooms and digital spaces.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, Professor Ramota Karim, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to knowledge, character, and service, noting an investment of over N2.7 billion in capital projects during the academic session.