Former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, has warned graduating students of the University of Ilorin against the lure of fast and easy wealth.

He said such pursuits often come with grave consequences.

He disclosed this at the 40th Convocation Lecture of the university with the topic “The Gen Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World”.

Fashola told the 11,886 graduating students that discipline, hard work, and integrity remain the only sustainable pathways to success in life.

The former Minister of Works, Housing and Power said the younger generation must resist the growing social pressure to acquire wealth through dishonest means.

He urged them to avoid relationships or ventures that flaunt unexplained riches, stressing that no shortcut to wealth comes without a price.

“There is no easy and fast money anywhere in the world that does not have consequences,” he warned.

Fashola advised the students to face life’s challenges with patience and embrace the values of diligence and prudence.

“Work very hard because your life depends on it. Respect the spaces of your hosts, do not abuse their hospitality, and make friends with your colleagues during your NYSC exercise,” he added.

He urged them to embrace their posting during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, describing it as an opportunity to learn from Nigeria’s cultural and social diversity.

According to him, “You will meet different foods, cultures, and traditions. Embrace them. I still maintain friendships I made during my youth service 38 years ago”.

Fashola further cautioned the graduands to stay humble after the service year and prepare for life without the monthly allowance.

“After service, there will be no more stipends. Stay close to your family because they will help you rise when you are down,” he said.

He encouraged them to cultivate the habit of saving at every stage of life, noting that financial discipline is key to stability.

He advised that to “Always find opportunities in difficulties and never engage in acts they will later be ashamed of.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Abiodun Aluko, in his remarks, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support indigent students.

He also thanked the President for approving the payment of the N50 billion academic earned allowance, describing it as a resolution of a long-standing agitation since 2022.

In his report, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), announced that ten of the university’s academic staff were recently ranked among the most cited scholars on Google Scholar.

He added that the university secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for 36 of its 37 programmes, while one received interim accreditation.

Egbewole disclosed that a total of 11,868 students graduated this year, including 316 with First Class, 4,120 with Second Class (Upper Division), 5,939 with Second Class (Lower Division), 1,078 with Third Class, and eleven with Pass.

The convocation also produced 175 MB;BS graduates, 94 in Nursing, 40 in Optometry, 36 in Veterinary Medicine, 64 in Physiotherapy, and 13 with Diplomas.

He further stated that 1,520 higher degrees would be awarded, comprising 182 Postgraduate Diplomas, 916 Master’s degrees, 188 Professional Master’s, and 234 PhDs. (Daily Trust)