By Niyi Ogungbola
The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has tasked research and tertiary institutions in the country on finding lasting solutions to the myriad of challenges facing humanity, ranging from climate change to the current raging COVID-1919 pandemic.
Abiodun stated this during the lecture he delivered at the 2nd and 3rd Convocation ceremony of the Mountain Top University with the topic, "Quest For Excellence: The Nexus Of Faith, Knowledge and Resilience".
He noted that for local solutions to be sought for local challenges, there was need to encourage and cultivate innovation amongst the youth.
Abiodun while noting that the country was lagging behind when it comes to introducing disruptive technology, said that human development is about creating opportunities and building a person's ability to innovate and be entrepreneurial.
"To this university in particular and the entire academic world, this is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that our world has been ravaged and significantly altered by various events, ranging from climate change to security challenges, such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and the current raging COVID-19 pandemic.
"It is therefore important that our research institutions and scholars turn their attention to proffering solutions to these myriad of challenges facing humanity in general, you should exercise the faith, conduct research, be resilient and to come up with solutions to stem the tide.
"Local solutions must be sought for local challenges, but for this to happen, we need to encourage and cultivate innovation amongst our youths," he said.
The governor urged the institution to aid youth development and empowerment for the indigent students seeking knowledge, charging it to emulate the Work and Study Programme as it is obtained at the Ogun State government owned Tai Solarin University of Education.
Abiodun who also urged the graduands to take part in the political process by becoming active in determining the future of the country, added that "If you leave the space for others to determine your future by sitting on the fence, the implication is that their vision may not be in tandem with your dreams".
While describing education as complete, wholesome, beneficial and of great value to the society and individuals if grounded in moral and spiritual firmament, he added that "education provides material and spiritual firmament for individuals, purifies and strengthens the moral fabric of the society whilst developing the human capital for nation building".
He further noted that faith is both spiritual and physical, as well as in God, self or man, describing knowledge as facts, skills and understanding acquired through insight, research, experience or education.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Pastor (Dr.) Daniel Olukoya while congratulating the graduands for excelling in their various academic pursuit, charged the graduands to choose their companions, treasure their time, pray for favour to find a good spouse and guard their thoughts.
The highlight of the convocation was the conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctors of Letters on Pastor (Mrs) Folashade Olukoya, wife of the Chancellor and the presentation of cash reward and offer of automatic employment to Miss Oluseyi Olubunmi who graduated as the best student from the School of Economics with a GP of 4.96.
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