Former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, has challenged young Nigerians heading to universities across the world to remain committed to the country’s development and contribute meaningfully to nation-building despite pursuing opportunities abroad.
Speaking at the 2026 graduation ceremony of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Academy in Abuja, Chidoka told members of the graduating class that while global exposure would broaden their horizons, Nigeria’s future would ultimately depend on the willingness of its citizens to deploy their knowledge, talents and expertise for national progress.
Addressing the graduates in a commencement lecture titled “The Fastest Generation in Human History,” Chidoka noted that the students were entering a rapidly evolving world driven by artificial intelligence, technological innovation and changing patterns of work and learning.
He observed that many of the graduating students had already secured admission into universities and colleges in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore, urging them to excel academically and professionally wherever they find themselves while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.
“Wherever life takes you, remember home. Learn from the world, contribute wherever you find yourself, but never forget that the progress of Nigeria will ultimately depend on the willingness of its sons and daughters to invest their knowledge, talent and energy in building a better society,” he said.
The former minister stressed that despite the speed of technological advancement, certain values remain indispensable for personal success and societal progress. He encouraged the students to embrace three enduring principles rooted in the Igbo worldview — Uche (Wisdom), Uchu (Diligence), and Egwuchukwu (Moral Character).
According to him, wisdom enables individuals to make sound decisions, diligence sustains achievement, while strong character provides the ethical foundation needed to navigate both success and adversity.
Chidoka also offered practical guidance to the graduates, urging them to cultivate a lifelong commitment to learning, guard their attention in an increasingly distracting digital age, and build their lives around enduring values rather than fleeting trends.
He maintained that while careers, industries and technologies would continue to change, societies would always depend on responsible individuals who combine competence with integrity and a commitment to the common good.
Earlier, CTL Academy founder, Agodi Alagbe, congratulated the graduating students on completing their academic programme and commended them for their conduct throughout their years at the institution.
She urged them to remain exemplary ambassadors of the academy as they pursue further education and future careers in different parts of the world.
A total of 11 students graduated during the 2026 academic session, comprising four senior-grade students and seven junior-grade students.
Founded in 2012, CTL Academy is an Abuja-based institution that operates an American curriculum and focuses on values-driven education, innovation and preparing students for global academic opportunities.
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