Chinedum Elekwachi
Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi and Senator representing Abia North, Enyinnaya Abaribe have charged Nigerian students to embrace hardwork and integrity.
The duo who stated this during the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony of Shanahan University, at the Holy Basilica, Onitsha, Anambra State, charged 694 matriculants to aim for the top.
Obi said: “I have always told this story, I was born here in Onitsha, and I attended Waterside Primary School over there, then I proceeded to Christ the King College, here in Onitsha too.
“If there was a university in Onitsha, I would have attended one here. You are lucky we have universities in Onitsha today.
“I want to charge you all to take your education seriously. I’m where I am today because of education.
“I remember when Gen. Gowon was Head of State, I was one of the primary school children who went to receive him when he visited Onitsha.
“Later in life, I and Gowon started sitting on the same table. That is what education can do; the reason I charge you to take it seriously.”
Keynote speaker
On his part, Abaribe who was the keynote speaker at the event underscored the place of integrity and diligence among young people, just as he urged them to shun get-rich-quick syndrome.
He said: “As young people, you must endeavour to steer clear of the many shiny, but temporary paths to success which have become so pervasive in our society today.
“I promise you, none of these paths will last; rather you will be left with nothing but regrets.
“Desist from “YahooYahoo”, other social media-influenced immorality, cultism, political sycophancy and boot-licking.
“These are not sustainable pathways which can only offer you temporary gratification, which suddenly fizzles into an emptiness that reveals a lack of value.
“Embrace excellence in character and academics. Together, they equip you to succeed in the world and make definitive impact as leaders.”
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Oguejiofor pledged commitment of the institution to quality, assuring that the high standard set by management was attainable.
