Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, has strongly criticized the current administration, claiming that there are more “Yahoo people” (internet fraudsters) in government than outside it.
Obi made these remarks during his keynote address as guest speaker at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University, held on Saturday.
Obi, who spoke on the theme “Lead the change; ignite your future,” emphasized that Nigeria’s leadership crisis is at the heart of its socio-economic problems.
He noted that corrupt officials in government are draining the nation’s resources, making the country a “crime scene” where both public office holders and those outside are guilty of financial misconduct.
“For governance, don’t think when we talk about vices, it is only Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people in government than there are outside because we have turned the entire country into a crime scene where people inside are stealing and people outside are stealing,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State Governor called for quality leadership to steer the country toward progress.
He urged the graduates to become catalysts for positive change in their communities, stressing that leadership requires strong character and the ability to resist wrongdoing.
“It is about leadership and igniting the future. It is not rocket science, but it is difficult. It is being able to have a strong character, the ability not to do the wrong thing. You are a victim of Nigeria because our age and the age before have refused to do what is right, and you are suffering it,” he said.
Obi’s sentiments were echoed by Obi Ezekwesili, the former Minister of Solid Minerals, who also spoke at the event.
Ezekwesili emphasized that service is the foundation of effective leadership and encouraged the graduates to use their skills to make a meaningful impact on society.
“Service is the best of leadership. We hope that you see graduation as the opportunity for service to the work,” she said.
“The world of work you are in is different from our world of work. This whole world that you are in, you have to master it.”
The founder of Nexford University, Fadl Al Tarzi, highlighted the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance education.
He revealed that over 1,200 students graduated with both undergraduate and master’s degrees, and shared that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated across all courses at the university.
Al Tarzi also underscored the potential of AI to transform Nigeria’s economy, although acknowledging that the technology could displace jobs.
“AI is going to improve the economy depending on how developed it is… it has the potential to increase productivity and to solve problems that could have taken years to solve,” he explained.
Among the graduates, Yewande Matthew, who earned a first-class degree in Digital Marketing, attributed her academic success to effective time management and prioritizing her responsibilities.
“My academic voyage was mixed with excitement and labor,” she said, reflecting on her achievements.
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