Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, has charged Nigerian youths to rise as torchbearers of transformation by embracing innovation, integrity, and visionary leadership as instruments for rebuilding the nation and actualizing the dreams of its founding fathers.
Dogara gave this charge while delivering a special public lecture titled “Empowering the Future Generation: The Founders’ Vision and Legacy” at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the university’s Multipurpose Hall, Felele Campus, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Addressing an audience of eminent scholars, government officials, parents, and graduating students, Dogara described convocation as a sacred milestone — a symbolic passage from the world of learning into the arena of leadership, innovation, and service. He paid glowing tribute to the founders of the Federal University Lokoja for their courage and foresight in establishing an institution that has become a citadel of excellence, producing men and women equipped to drive national transformation.
He declared that the founders of the institution were visionaries who did not merely construct buildings, but planted enduring ideas that continue to inspire generations. According to him, they built a legacy anchored on the conviction that education remains humanity’s most potent weapon against ignorance, poverty, and inequality. Dogara reminded the graduates that the true essence of education lies not in the acquisition of certificates, but in the cultivation of wisdom, discipline, and purpose. He urged them to carry the founders’ torch forward by deploying knowledge as a tool for nation-building and societal advancement.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Dogara hailed the administration’s commitment to accessible and inclusive education. He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a landmark policy intervention that has broken financial barriers for thousands of students. According to him, as of September 27, 2025, over 510,000 Nigerian students had benefited from ₦99.5 billion in interest-free loans — a monumental stride in human capital development. He stressed that the President’s focus on inclusivity, especially for women and persons with disabilities, is reshaping the educational landscape and strengthening the nation’s future.
Dogara emphasized that education without character, creativity, and compassion is hollow. He challenged the graduates to emerge as innovators, reformers, and builders who will not only consume knowledge but also create it. He outlined eight principles as the compass for the next generation: lifelong learning, stewardship, global thinking with local relevance, innovation and entrepreneurship, greatness over fame, ethical leadership, resilience, and service to humanity.
“You are not just beneficiaries of the founders’ vision; you are its custodians,” he declared. “The highest tribute you can pay to the visionaries who built this university is not to imitate their world, but to build a greater one.”
He urged the graduating class to reject mediocrity and complacency, and to approach the future with courage and creativity. In a fast-evolving world where technology and knowledge redefine opportunities, Dogara said the future belongs to those who think critically, act boldly, and innovate relentlessly. “Do not wait for doors to open; build your own doors. Do not chase jobs; create them. The world now belongs to creators and problem-solvers who are not afraid to challenge convention,” he charged.
Dogara spoke passionately about ethical leadership, describing integrity as the anchor of all lasting success. He cautioned against the corrosive effects of greed, corruption, and moral decay, urging the graduates to distinguish themselves through honesty, humility, and service to humanity. “Leadership is not measured by the power you wield, but by the lives you touch. Let truth be your shield, and let the common good be your guiding light,” he admonished.
He reminded the graduates that true greatness is not found in wealth or fame but in service. “Fame fades, but greatness endures. The greatest among you shall be your servant. It is in service that leadership finds its meaning,” he said.
Dogara also underscored the importance of resilience, stressing that life’s trials are not obstacles but stepping stones to greatness. “Resilience, not brilliance, is the mark of champions. Failure is not the end but feedback; every setback is an invitation to rise stronger,” he encouraged.
He called on the graduates to build meaningful relationships, mentor others, and give back to their communities, reminding them that the true legacy of learning is the ability to inspire and empower others. “Success is not what you achieve for yourself; it is what you make possible for others. Lift as you rise,” he stated.
In his closing message, Dogara described the graduating Class of 2025 as the new custodians of the founders’ dream — a generation destined to chart new frontiers for Nigeria and humanity. “You are the convocation of eagles — trained to soar, built for impact, and prepared to confront the storms of life. Do not shrink before challenges; confront them with courage and conviction,” he charged.
He urged the graduates to uphold the motto of the Federal University Lokoja — Sic itur ad astra (“Thus one goes to the stars”) — as a daily reminder that there are no limits for those who dream, strive, and believe. “Wherever you go, let your excellence, integrity, and innovation testify to the quality of your training. The world awaits your contribution; the future is calling your name,” he concluded.
