Greatness comes only from Service to Others, Osinbajo tells LCU graduands
Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has called on Nigerian youths to utilise the productive period of their lives, noting that while time waits for no one, obtaining a degree certificate does not always translate to success in life.
Osinbajo spoke at the 10th convocation of the Lead City University, Ibadan where 590 students were awarded first degree certificates in various disciplines on Thursday. Among them, 39 students graduated in the first class category. Miss Mary Olukorede was adjudged the best graduating female while Amedu Anthony was announced as the best graduating male student.
According to Prof. Osinbajo, “you will only be great if you devote your life, and your efforts, to serving others. The path to greatness is self-sacrifice for the good of others. Success is more easily attainable than Greatness. Greatness is not for everyone.’’
He said. “Graduating with an excellent degree, even coming from a well-off family may not necessarily mean success and greatness but integrity and service to others is the key to greatness,
Continuing the Vice President noted that “talent, an excellent degree, even coming from a well-off family does not mean success and certainly does not mean greatness. The most talented people, those who get the best degrees do not necessarily become the most successful in life.’’
He said that character is what makes the difference.
“The difference between success and failure, mediocrity or excellence is character. Along with character is opportunity, perhaps the most crucial is the grace of God. Character is a set of values that shapes the conduct of an individual. It is a set of principles spoken and unspoken that a person observes and lives on.”
Osinbajo, said, “I was 60 years old in March this year, and I must confess that one of the greatest surprises I ever experienced was that I just suddenly became 60. I can clearly remember when I graduated from the university. I was 21 years old at the time. How time flies.
“One of the important lessons that you will learn is that time flies whether you are wasting it or you are using it well. It simply flies back. At the age of 60 years, I am entitled to give some advice.
He spoke about his experience while studying in the United Kingdom as an illustration of the usefulness of trust.
“As a young student at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1980, my school fees were delayed in a particular term. So I spoke to the students’ counselor in my faculty who asked me to go to the bank and ask for a loan.”
“I asked how? I owe over 600 pounds and I probably have only 50 pounds in the bank, where would I get the collateral to take the loan? Anyway, I went to the bank. I explained my problem.
“The lady across the counter asked for my name and brought out my ledger, saw I had no money. She asked me when I thought I could repay, I said maybe 6 weeks. She gave me a document that I signed and she gave me 600 pounds. I paid my fees and I paid back when my cheque came.
“But in the same U.K. in just a few years after, if you carried a Nigerian passport the banks would not open an account for you because some Nigerians abused the trust that financial transactions require.”
“They used credit cards to buy cars, furniture, and electronics and ran back to Nigeria. In the past few years, many foreign banks have closed accounts of Nigerians because of the numerous attempts to defraud on those accounts.
However, according to the Vice President, “the world is in search of the Nigerian of integrity, the trustworthy Nigerian to do business with or to employ,’’ noting that, “everyone wants faithful partners or employees.’’
He charged the graduating students to imbibe the virtues of hard work and integrity noting that, “integrity pays and it doesn’t matter what you are hired as, a receptionist, a personal assistant no matter how low, the issue is that you must be known for your hard work and diligence. That is what will recommend you in the future.’’
Citing the example of Nigerians making waves in different sectors of the economy, Prof. Osinbajo urged the graduands to take advantage of technology noting that “Innovation will be key as you aspire to succeed. Here in Nigeria, many young people are using technology to disrupt existing assumptions and create new markets and opportunities.’’
Other dignitaries that attended the event include the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, who accompanied the Vice-President, the founder of the university, Prof. Jide Owoeye, among other notable Nigerians.
The Chairman of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Victor Osibodu, and the Chairman of Musoro Booksellers, Kolade Musoro, were also honoured with doctorate degrees
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