A former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi and Senator representing Abia North, Enyinnaya Abaribe have urged students in Nigerian universities to imbibe the character of hardwork and integrity, if they are to make meaningful growth in life.
The duo made the call during the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony of Shanahan University, at the Holy Basilica, Onitsha, Anambra State.
They charged the 694 matriculants for the session to aim for the top.
According to Obi, who was the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, success never comes by luck, but through careful, intentional efforts to make progress.
“I was born here in Onitsha, and I attended Waterside Primary School over there, then I proceeded to Christ the King College, here in Onitsha too.
“If there were a university in Onitsha, I would have attended one here. You are lucky we have universities in Onitsha today.
“I want to charge you all to take your education seriously. I’m where I am today because of education.
“I remember when Gen. Gowon was Head of State, I was one of the primary school children who went to receive him when he visited Onitsha.
“Later in life, I Gowon and started sitting on the same table. That is what education can do; the reason I charge you to take it seriously,” he pleaded.
On his part, Abaribe, who was the keynote speaker at the event, underscored the place of integrity and diligence among young people, just as he urged them to shun get-rich-quick syndrome.
He said: “As young people, you must endeavour to steer clear of the many shiny, but temporary paths to success which have become so pervasive in our society today.
“I promise you, none of these paths will last; rather, you will be left with nothing but regrets. Desist from “YahooYahoo”, other social media-influenced immorality, cultism, political sycophancy and boot-licking.
“These are not sustainable pathways which can only offer you temporary gratification, which suddenly fizzles into an emptiness that reveals a lack of value.
“Embrace excellence in character and academics. Together, they equip you to succeed in the world and make a definitive impact as leaders.”
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Oguejiofor pledged commitment of the institution to quality, assuring that the high standard set by management was attainable.
