The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi said there are more fraudsters in the government than there are internet rogues popularly called ‘Yahoo Boys’ who operate from outside.
Obi made the declaration while speaking at the 4th graduation of Nexford University held at Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Obi who described Nigeria as a “crime scene,” said there was an urgent need for quality leadership to address the country’s challenges.
“When we talk about vices, don’t think it’s just the yahoo boys on the streets. “The truth is, there are more yahoo people in government than outside it because we’ve turned the entire country into a crime scene, with people both inside and outside stealing,” he said.
Obi stressed the importance of character and integrity in leadership, noting that creating a better society requires strong moral values and the courage to do the right thing.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need for quality leadership, urging graduates to become agents of positive change.
“Leadership and igniting the future are not rocket science, but they require a strong character and the ability to do the right thing. Use what you’ve learned to help change society.
“It’s not rocket science, but it’s not easy. It’s about having a strong character and resisting the temptation to do wrong.
“You’ve gained knowledge today—use it to help change society. You’re victims of a system where past generations have failed to do what is right, and now you’re bearing the consequences,” he added.
Speaking on the importance of online education in Nigeria, Obi noted, “Education is the key to empowerment, producing good leaders, and developing society. We must do everything we can to bring more people into the literacy net.”
In her remarks, the former minister of education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, underscored the importance of service and leadership, stressing that “service is the highest form of leadership.”
“See this graduation as an opportunity to serve—whether in your workspaces or in the country at large.
The world of work today is vastly different from what it used to be, and you must master it,” she added.
She explained that key qualities of leadership, such as good character, competence, and capacity, will help the graduates excel in the global workforce.
“By 2050, nearly 85% of the increase in the global workforce will come from young Africans.”
“This makes education, especially in fields like AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and communication, crucial for preparing these young people to compete globally,” she said.
In his welcome address, the chief executive officer and founder of Nexford University, Mr. Fadl Al Tarzi, highlighted how technological advancements have significantly increased the efficiency of daily operations.
He urged the graduates to leverage technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve their skills and thrive in an ever-changing world.
“Nexford University has offered AI specialization for the past five years, integrating it into all our programs. Today, nearly 40% of our graduates have studied AI,” Al Tarzi explained.
“AI may displace many jobs, but Nigeria, with its large market, can capitalize on AI to solve problems, accelerate research and development, and connect Nigerian talent to the global stage.”
Al Tarzi noted that the graduates had completed a range of programs, including the BBA, MBA, Masters in Digital Transformation, Masters in Data Analytics, and Masters in Entrepreneurship. About 1,200 graduates, mostly from West Africa and particularly Nigeria, participated in the ceremony, despite not being able to travel to Washington, DC, for the graduation.
