At the Convocation Lecture, the fourth event in the ongoing 28th Convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University, the National chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Chairman of the occasion, and the Minister of Education and convocation lecturer, Dr Tunji Alausa, have reiterated the imperative of unity and patriotism in achieving national development. Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who spoke on “Patriotism, Citizenship, and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future,” emphasized the need for patriotism and collective responsibility in achieving national development. 

Dr. Alausa charges Nigerians to adopt a “redefined” patriotism which should “reflect integrity, civic responsibility and a shared vision for national advancement.” According to him, commitment, political leadership and accountability, and promotion of unity and justice are characteristics of a true Nigerian patriot.

“A true patriot in modern Nigeria is someone who contributes to the nation’s growth in tangible ways, whether through education, entrepreneurship, innovation, or public service. This means working towards economic self-sufficiency, supporting local industries and promoting sustainable development initiatives that uplift your or any community in the country.”

However, in his opening address, the APC national chairman and Chairman of the event, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, tasks Nigerians to utilize ethnic diversity in contributing to the nation’s progress. 

“There is no doubt Nigeria is blessed with many ethnic nationalities and, sociologically, each ethnic nationality in Nigeria has some inherent traits; if properly harmonized, Nigeria will be greater than what it is in the moment. I have this hope that going forward there shall be a renewed national patriotism, sense of belonging, from the north to the south; from the east to the west, and by this Nigeria will rise again. 

“We should rise to the responsibilities of true citizenship and restore the glory of our nation’s founding fathers because, ultimately, our most promising path to national awakening is to begin to think less of ourselves as individuals and tribesmen but rise collectively through the responsibilities of true stewardship,” the former governor said. 

 Delivering the Welcome Address of the 28th LASU Convocation Lecture, on the 8th of April, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, advocates for patriotism and good citizenship, which should be done in both words and deeds. 

“The emerging leaders of this nation, you are the ones who must rise to the occasion; who must safeguard this nation in the face of threats to its unity, peace and progress. Yes, our nation has its challenges—our fault lines are visible, but let us not forget our nationhood runs deep, woven through our history, our culture and our shared dreams. We are more than our divisions.”

The Vice-Chancellor decried the extinction of history in the Nigerian education curriculum while acknowledging its consequences on Nigeria’s vibrant youths.

"I would also like to touch on one thing I consider a disservice to our sense of patriotism and collective responsibility: the removal of History from the curriculum in our primary and secondary schools. When we lack a sense of the past, then our future is endangered. So much harm has been done to our young generation, the group that we call the Gen Z, who pass through schools at a time when history was expunged from the curriculum. Some of such harms are evident in the even dangerous narratives that avail the social media space. The ethnic-induced abuses, trolling and verbal attacks on individuals and groups have become the hallmark of social media engagement amongst others. 

"And it is on this note that I salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education for the bold decision to return the teaching of history to schools. This is a crucial step towards healing these generational wounds and ensuring that our young people understand the rich, complex story of our nation. A story that will empower them to engage with one another and with Nigeria’s future in a more informed, respectful and united manner.”

The 28th convocation lecture of the third most sought-after Nigerian university was commemorated in grand style as distinguished personalities permeated the scene. In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro, LASU Chancellor, Gbolahan Elias (SAN), Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Emeritus Professor Sonny Echono, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, amongst others. 

The convocation ceremony is expected to continue until Thursday when the University conferred honorary doctorate degrees on the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.