From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Forty Nigerians have graduated with distinction from Nexford University (NXU), a next-generation online university based in Washington DC, America.
This was disclosed by Nexford’s Community Development Manager, Sally Okogho, at the 2023 graduation event of the university which witnessed master classes, a career fair with Nigeria’s leading companies, a start-up demo and an exhibition in Lagos State.
This is as the university awarded five outstanding Nigerian students found worthy in academics and character.
Among the 40 distinction students, James Ogo-Oluwa Osinowo was awarded as the Valedictorian of the Year for Class 2023.
Others awarded were Adeshile Oluwabusayo who emerged as the Best Peer Mentor for BBA (Undergraduate Degree) and Monsuru Adebayo Popoola, Best Peer Mentor MBA (Graduate Degree).
While Daniel Oreofe was also awarded the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, Sonter Samuel James emerged as the Outstanding Brand Ambassador.
Speaking at the ceremony held on Saturday at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Fadl Al Tarzi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NXU, described Nigerians as resilient.
He said that the institution is very proud of Nigerian learners, adding that students from the country valued education which has distinguished and placed them higher across the world.
Nexford CEO said, “Nigerians in the United States are, on average, twice as educated as the average American. It is time for you to ascend to leadership, redefine perceptions, and engrave your marks on societies, whether here in Nigeria or beyond your borders.
“If your journey takes you to foreign lands, remember, you are the architects of perceptions, the ambassadors of our values. Make those lands realise the privilege of hosting Nigerian talent. Showcase your superior skills and let the world witness the value you add, and the legacy you create.”
Tonye Cole, Co-founder/former Group Executive Director, Sahara Group, in his keynote address, urged the graduates to be prepared for challenges as they move to the next phase of life.
He said, “Do not be afraid to fail, even when you do, start again, try again and retrace your steps and be courageous for every success story has stories to tell.
“You have to decide on your own but you must seek wisdom to guide your steps, this is key because it is what you need to navigate the world and keep your eyes on your goal.”
Speaking, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, said academic institutions like Nexford would help Nigeria fix human capital deficiencies.
Ezekwesili, a board member of NXU, noted that the university is one of the global institutions that have visibly given the skills that are necessary for the 21st century.
“If we increase our Gross Domestic Product and we spread the sources of our GDP, what we will have is inclusive prosperity, so we must have graduates of this kind from as many institutions as possible,” she noted.
The valedictorian, James Ogo-Oluwa Osinowo, in his speech, narrated how Nexford University inculcated resilience, teamwork and perseverance in the learners.
He also noted that the university exposed students to “possibilities and opportunities”.
Osinowo said, “Immediately I completed my MBA in January 2023, the following month saw me receive an offer for the role of Group Finance Manager! And it’s just the beginning. One of the important lessons we’ve learned during our time here is the power of resilience. We’ve faced demanding assignments and tests, gruelling projects and sleepless nights, yet we persevered.”
During the start-up pitches and exhibition, seasoned experts like Iyin Aboyeji of Future Africa, and Napa Onwusah, Leader for AWS Startups in Africa among others tutored the graduates.
The master class sessions centred on building and scaling a startup, designing a fulfilling career, becoming globally relevant, sales skills for founders and succeeding in a remote job environment.
