KEY POINTS
- Nigeria must invest in quality education to stay competitive globally.
- The artificial intelligence revolution highlights the need for modernized education.
- Nexford University graduates exemplify resilience and global readiness.
During the 2024 graduation ceremony of Nexford University in Lagos, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi emphasized the importance of prioritizing quality education for Nigeria’s progress.
Obi commented that Nigeria must address major societal challenges since the world’s ongoing progression has brought Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to the forefront.
“Nigeria knows what to do but refuses to do it,” Obi said, expressing concern over the systemic failures in education.
He emphasized that making affordable top-quality education available should not remain optional because young people suffer from historical leadership negligence.
Obi examined Nigeria’s readiness to support an emerging workforce transformed by artificial intelligence technology as well as robotics and modern innovations.
He further urged leaders to create an ecosystem that prepares young Nigerians for the future, pointing to lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic as proof that adaptive education is crucial.
According to Punch, Obi also visited schools during International Education Day and called for urgent action, stating, “Education is not something we must toy with.”
Artificial intelligence revolution demands a prepared workforce
Former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili highlighted the critical role of AI in shaping global industries. Speaking at the event, Ezekwesili commended Nexford University for offering Nigerian students access to quality education that meets global standards.
“The question now is how we will live with AI,” she said, sharing insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The implementation of AI resulted in rapid problem-solving performance which translates tasks that previously needed decades into yearly completion periods, according to Ezekwesili.
She warned that Nigeria could face the threat of lagging if its education system does not develop young people to handle global competition.
Ezekwesili also pointed out that the nature of work has drastically shifted in recent decades. “The world of work now is different, and we must ensure our youths are prepared,” she added, emphasizing the need for a modernized education system.
Nexford University celebrates achievements and future plans
The graduation ceremony was a moment of pride for Nexford University, an online institution based in Washington, D.C. CEO Fadl Al Tarzi praised the resilience of Nigerian students, urging the 2024 graduating class to use their skills to provide real-world solutions.
According to Tarzi, the educational targets of more than 75 percent of Nexford students resulted in skill development that assists them with thriving in international work environments.
He announced plans for further expansion in 2025 to grow Nexford’s global learning community.
The 2024 valedictorian Oluwasegun Anuoluwapo Ogundiran, earned a flawless 4.0 CGPA indicating outstanding educational opportunities at the institution.
Chief Country Director Oghogho Inneh praised the varied successes of graduates completing BBA, MBA, and MSDA programs during the graduation event.
