Building a Successor-Generation: Reflections on Values and Knowledge in Nation Building
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Date
2017-01-23
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Fayemi, K.
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It is with great pride that I participate in the 2017 Convocation ceremony of my alma mater - the University of Lagos - UNILAG. It is always fascinating to return to these scenic and historic grounds of learning, situated in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. I am most grateful to the authorities for honouring me with this hallowed platform to share a few thoughts with this set of graduating students in particular and the university community at large as this year's convocation lecturer. When the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon A. Bello first notified me of my being selected to deliver the 2015/2016 convocation lecture, the first thought that came to my mind was "what would I say?" Convocation lectures traditionally have a defined structure. The university authorities usually invite an individual that has attained some measure of success in life, to share hislher story, with the hope that the graduating students can learn a thing or two about what to expect in the 'real world', as the larger society is often called. So I assume I am expected to speak about my experiences in life, in the more than three decades since I graduated, with the hope that those whose turn it is today can have an idea of at to expect out there. I am also supposed to dispe se some hope about the bright prospects that the olds, and offer some useful advice that would guide
e going forward. Considering these expectations of the . ional convocation speech, I must apologise in advance eradventure I don't live up fully to this billing. This is because my presentation today would dwell more on pointing you back to some of life's key lessons that are available within a university, which are enough to prepare you for life after graduation. Many years ago, I matriculated into this university, thrown into a whole new universe, not knowing what to expect. As a na'ive and unassuming youth, all I came to UNILAG with was eagerness to learn and zeal to explore. At graduation, I was undoubtedly a different person. This institution provided the conditions for me to discover myself; find my voice; and hone my worldview and core values
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Fayemi, K. (2017). Building a Successor-Generation: Reflections on Values and Knowledge in Nation Building.