A former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ashimiyu Olaniyi, has challenged tertiary institutions to produce change agent graduates that can steer the nation’s ship in the right direction for a bright future.
Olaniyi made the call, while delivering a lecture on “Leadership Evolution: Empowering Change Agent for a Transformative Future” at the Combined Graduation Lecture of The Polytechnic, in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The retired Major General said that tertiary institutions must bear the aspect of transformative leadership in mind and prepare students for it.
According to him, they should aim to inspire, educate and equip the graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively as change agents in an ever-changing national landscape.
He, therefore, urged the graduates to aspire to be change agents who keep seeking knowledge, and diligent as well as maintain their integrity.
“Resolve that you will not rest until you see the future you desire in that sector, in your community, in Nigeria and the world at large,” Olaniyi said.
According to him, the choice of the topic for 2023 convocation lecture; “Leadership Evolution: Empowering Change Agent for a Transformative Future” could not have come at a better.
“In a world marked by unprecedented challenges and rapid transformations, the landscape of leadership has evolved significantly. Gone are the days when leadership was solely defined by hierarchical authority.
“Today, leadership embodies a mosaic of qualities that encompass adaptability, empathy, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of positive change.
“In a future of radical change, leaders will be crucial in determining how well societies and organisations develop. John C Maxwell stated that “everything rises and falls on leadership”.
“Leaders act as change agents, propelling and directing through seasons of change,” Olaniyi said.
He said Nigeria needed leaders who have capacity to foresee, organise and carryout constructive realignments helps build a better and more sustainable future.
According to him, Nigeria needs a future that involves significant and positive changes in various aspects of society, technology, the environment, and culture.
“The world is changing rapidly and in many respects for the worse. For leadership to be impactful therefore, it must go beyond incremental improvements to a fundamental shift in paradigms, structures, and behaviours.
“This concept otherwise known as transformative future is often associated with the pursuit of positive and impactful change that can lead to a more sustainable and inclusive world,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retired general also pledged a donation of N1 million to the best students, Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering Department for the next four years.
Earlier in his address, the Rector of the institution, Prof. Kareem Adebiyi, appreciated God and members of staff of the institution for their support since assumption of office in March 2019.
Adebiyi noted that he would be bowing out of office in March 25, 2024, adding that he was happy the graduation ceremony took place while in office.
