The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, says young Nigerians who want to leave the country are free to do so.
Bishop Kukah, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of Veritas University, Abuja, said this while addressing graduands of Veritas University on Saturday. It was the school’s convocation ceremony.
Nigeria, like many nations, has witnessed waves of migration driven by economic, political, and social factors. Young Nigerians, in particular, often find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the desire to contribute to their nation’s growth and the need to secure a future for themselves and their families. Bishop Kukah’s words acknowledge the validity of these concerns and the individual choices that young people face in navigating a complex socio-economic landscape.
The encouragement for young Nigerians to explore opportunities beyond the borders of their homeland speaks to the interconnected world we live in. Globalization has opened up avenues for education, work, and personal growth that extend beyond national boundaries. As the Pro-chancellor of Veritas University, Bishop Kukah’s statement reflects an understanding of the importance of exposing students to diverse experiences and perspectives, fostering a global mindset that goes beyond geographical constraints.
It’s essential to delve into the challenges that prompt young Nigerians to consider leaving their country. Unemployment, economic instability, and a lack of opportunities can create a sense of hopelessness, driving individuals to seek better prospects elsewhere. This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria but is emblematic of broader global trends where individuals often cross borders in search of greener pastures and a chance for personal and professional growth.
As the head of an academic institution, Bishop Kukah’s words also highlight the role of education in shaping perspectives. Education is not just a tool for acquiring knowledge but a pathway to understanding the world and one’s place in it. By encouraging the pursuit of knowledge, Bishop Kukah indirectly advocates for an empowered and informed youth capable of making decisions that align with their aspirations and values.
He, however, prayed that the right and conducive environment be created so that those left behind can compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.
The Bishop said: “I encourage young people who want to leave Nigeria to please, feel free to leave. The country is big enough. We can assure you that by the time you settle down in the United States of America or wherever you have gone, you will discover that Nigeria needs you.
“And for those you left behind, our hope and prayer is that they will be competing at the same level with you. We have everything that it takes to turn the corner.
He said that the “University will continue to inspire and shape the new generation so that the change we expect in our country is not the change we expect from politicians.
“It is the change that will come with a big intellectual understanding of the complex nature of this country. So every graduate who walks out of the portals of Veritas will be truly equipped mentally and intellectually to conquer Nigeria.”
Kukah implored the graduates to remain focused and remember the school they were leaving behind. He also appealed to teachers to strive to be role models for the students.
According to him, “The quality of help and support you will get from the alumni will be determined by how they left this university.
