By Myke Uzendu
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has urged graduating students to make character and integrity the foundation of their lives, stressing that academic certificates alone cannot guarantee lasting success.
Mark gave the advice on Sunday while delivering a keynote address titled “Advice to the Graduating Class of 2026” at the graduation, speech and prize-giving ceremony of Pace Setters College, Abuja.
The former Senate President congratulated the graduating students, describing their success as the reward for years of hard work, discipline and perseverance. He also commended parents, teachers and the management of the college for their commitment to nurturing the students academically and morally.
He praised Pace Setters College for combining academic excellence with character development, noting that the ultimate goal of education is to produce responsible citizens, ethical leaders and individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
According to Mark, education remains the most valuable investment any nation can make in its future, adding that countries that have attained global prominence did so by deliberately investing in the knowledge, innovation and creativity of their citizens.
He observed that the world is changing rapidly through advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, renewable energy and the digital economy, saying the evolving global environment demands resilience, creativity, emotional intelligence and critical thinking from young people.
“Your certificate may secure your first opportunity, but it is your character that will sustain your success. Knowledge may open doors, but integrity keeps them open,” he said.
Mark urged the graduands to embrace lifelong learning, stressing that graduation marks the beginning of a continuous journey of acquiring knowledge and developing new skills.
He also advised them to place integrity above the pursuit of quick wealth, work hard, dream beyond their present circumstances and become solution providers capable of addressing the challenges confronting society.
“Wealth acquired without honour is fleeting, but a good name remains one of life’s greatest treasures. Your reputation is your greatest asset—guard it jealously,” he added.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, the ADC chairman said the younger generation possesses the talent, creativity and technological capacity to transform the country for the better.
He, however, noted that sustainable national development would depend on responsible leadership, active citizenship, patriotism, respect for the rule of law and accountability.
“Never underestimate the power of one honest citizen. Every great nation is built by ordinary men and women who make extraordinary choices—choosing integrity over corruption, service over selfishness, and excellence over mediocrity,” he stated.
Mark also paid tribute to parents and teachers for their sacrifices in shaping the future of the students, describing educators as indispensable nation-builders whose impact extends far beyond the classroom.
