The Chancellor and the Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. David Oyedepo, has called on the African leaders to desist from looking outside for remedy noting that no foreign interest will assist in finding solution to the country’s challenges.
Oyedepo disclosed on Friday during the 18th convocation ceremony of the university, dubbed, ‘Release of Eagles 2023’, noting that looking outside for solutions to the problems confronting the continent is not the best option as the solutions are right here on the continent.
He stated that until African leaders see leadership as an opportunity to provide solutions to societal problems and not just occupying a position, the continent may not get it right.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Looking Ahead’, Oyedepo, who is also the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, added that every living thing is called to solve problems where they are planted.
“Leadership is not the position held but the solution provided. Good leaders think about others; they think about the future; they think about solutions to problems, among others. They are creative, innovative, and focused.
“You can’t arrive at a future you are not prepared for. No foreign interest will help us find solutions to our problems. Plants don’t move from one point to another; it is where they are that they solve all their problems and get what they need. When the colonial masters came, they didn’t meet our forefathers living on trees. It was not the colonial masters who taught the fathers how to cook and take care of their health. They were doing those things before the colonialists arrived.
“Our fathers had ways of defending themselves against intruders. That is why, at Covenant University, we are 99.9 percent indigenous. Universities should add value to society and I am happy that Covenant University is doing just that,” he said.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor, Bishop David Abioye, advised the graduands to be ready to start small and aim for greater heights in their callings.
He noted that starting small would allow them to start on a solid foundation, among other advantages.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, said 283 out of the 1,175 graduating students bagged first-class degrees, the highest in the history of the university.
He equally revealed that 57 doctorate degree holders were also part of the graduating set, another record in the history of the institution.
Adebayo pointed out that the university was ranked the best in Nigeria, the best in West Africa, and seventh on the continent by the Times Higher Education, THE, in 2023.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Dr. Chris Mayaiki, while speaking to the participants, commended the university for the giant strides it has made since its inception.
