OYEDELE CHARGES UNIUYO GRADUATES ON INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, DIGITAL RESPONSIBILITY

Written by Dr Francis Otioro

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, has charged Nigerian graduates to embrace innovation, integrity, lifelong learning and responsible use of technology as essential tools for national development.

Oyedele gave the charge while delivering the combined 31st and 32nd Convocation Lecture of the University of Uyo on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the 1,000-Seater TETFund Auditorium. The lecture was titled “Digital Sovereignty and Ethics: Guardrails for the Next Generation.”

He warned that Nigeria’s growing dependence on foreign technology and digital services could result in economic losses similar to those experienced in the oil sector, stressing the need to develop local technological capacity, protect data and promote indigenous innovation.

The Minister explained that digital sovereignty was not about rejecting foreign investment but building Nigeria’s capacity to control its technological future, strengthen cybersecurity and create competitive businesses.

Addressing the graduating students, he urged them to remain committed to continuous learning, professional integrity, entrepreneurship and responsible digital citizenship. He cautioned against misinformation, encouraging them to seek credible information and engage constructively in public discourse.

Oyedele also challenged universities to evolve beyond conventional teaching and research by becoming centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving. He called for stronger partnerships among universities, government and the private sector to translate academic knowledge into solutions for societal challenges.

He identified agriculture, energy, healthcare, marine resources, environmental sustainability and digital services as critical areas where universities could contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

The Minister further encouraged graduates to measure success not merely by salaries, positions or material possessions, but by the problems they solve, lives they improve and opportunities they create.

He reminded them that setbacks and disappointments were part of life, urging them to remain resilient and prioritise character, competence and integrity.

Oyedele expressed the hope that the graduating generation would harness artificial intelligence and digital transformation to create solutions, strengthen institutions and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Quoting management thinker Peter Drucker, he reminded the graduates that “the best way to predict the future is to create it”.

He congratulated the graduating students and wished them success in their future endeavours, while praying for God’s blessings upon Akwa Ibom State, the University of Uyo and Nigeria.

The lecture underscored the importance of knowledge, ethical values and technological innovation in shaping Nigeria’s digital future and advancing national development.