By Uche Amunike
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu has bagged an honorary doctorate degree from the university of Lagos in recognition of outstanding contributions to enterprise, nation building, and educational advancement.
Speaking, during the conferment ceremony which took place during the 56th convocation ceremony of the university, the Oando CEO, who was nominated by the Vice Chancellor delivered his speech on behalf of all honorary degree awardees.
This is a role, specially reserved for individuals that have shown exceptional leadership and selfless public service through their professional journeys.
While delivering a statement from Oando, he thanked the institution and the management for the honor, which he described as a renewed call to service.
He stated: ‘I am deeply honored to speak to you on behalf of all the recipients of this honorary degree at this 56th convocation. We thank the Governorning Council and they select Vice Chancellors for this profound recognition and receive it not merely as a celebration of class achievement, but as a renewed call to service – a call that reflects the very purpose for which this great university exists.’
He emphasized the role the University of Lagos has played in shaping national development and stated that the institution has produced nation builders, pointing out that it was therefore expedient that the university once again, places leadership at the center of the convocation.
Hear him: ‘UNILAG has never been content to produce credentials; it has produced nation-builders. It is therefore fitting that this institution once again places leadership at the centre of this convocation at a time when Nigeria itself is being called to renew.’
‘The reforms on the way seek to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, unlock global productivity, broaden opportunity, improve security, and improve the health and social welfare of this country. But reforms do not succeed by policy alone. They succeed when ideas shape action, and knowledge guides leadership.’
He also discussed a broader theme, notably relevant to developing and resource-constrained economies, while underscoring that sustained economic and social progress is continually underpinned by deliberate investment in human capital.
He further maintained that knowledge must go beyond classrooms and laboratories to deliver practical solutions within industries, communities, and public institutions in order for education to realize full impact.
According to the Oando boss, the true value of scholarship subsists in the ability to translate research into reform and intellectual capital into measurable social and economic impact.
He continued: ‘This is where the university becomes indispensable. Citadels of learning are not spectators to national challenge; they are drivers of it. They generate the ideas, train the innovators, test the evidence, and nurture the ethical leadership that progress demands. Knowledge and leadership only fulfil their purpose when they are placed in the service of the common good.’
During his address, he told young Nigerians and students in attendance about his journey as a young lawyer in Lagos with little or no significant assets to lead the global energy enterprise. He spoke of conviction, courage and persistence, describing them as pillars of sustainable success, while emphasizing the need to see beyond the immediate problem and visualize the possibilities.
He urged the students to pursue their ambitions without waiting for perfect conditions, reiterating that they should begin, adapt and build in the face of uncertainty. He encouraged them not to be dissuaded by those who would doubt or discourage them, but instead, focus o
n winning with integrity.
