The Chief Executive Officer of the First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Sola Adeduntan, has called on Nigerian graduates to create a future for themselves in order to be relevant globally, and never rely on luck as they begin the journey of life.

Dr Adeduntan made the remark in a commencement speech, entitled ‘A Journey Defined – Empathy, Courage, Industry (Discipline)’, delivered during the convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan last Wednesday.

The financial expert who graduated from the same institution with a degree in Veterinary Medicine about 22 years ago advised stakeholders in the education sector to increase the value of the youths through critical thinking and problem-solving and qualitative skills to boost their personal growth.

He said: “It is very important as you undertake your life’s journey to always remember that those who create the future do not surrender to luck or circumstance; planning the future is the first step in defining it.”

Speaking further, Adeduntan said: “Class of 2019, creating value for yourselves and others requires you to be intentional with life’s decisions – from choosing your career to building networks and nurturing relationships. Take conscious decisions around your career goals and be intentional about employment or entrepreneurial offers.

“Always remember that those who create the future do not surrender to luck or circumstance; planning the future is the first step in defining it.”

On ways to improve the curriculum of education to match the challenges of producing youths that can match both technological and intellectual equilibrium on the global scene, Adeduntan said “in pursuit of building the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, it is our noble responsibility to increase the value of our youths, not only through the quality of their formal education, but also by infusing critical thinking, problem-solving and qualitative skills that will boost their personal and professional growth.”

“We have a critical responsibility to equip graduates with the competencies required to succeed in the world of innovation and technological disruptions. This could be achieved by leveraging massive online open courses as an institutional response to the new ways of learning; revamping the school curriculum to include programming and coding skills, as well as the provision of broadband access across all higher institutions of learning.

“I am hopeful that all stakeholders will collaborate in the quest to enrich the learning experience across all higher institutions of study in Nigeria.”

In his address, the vice chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, enjoined the new graduates to go out and be worthy ambassadors and alumni of the university.