By Elizabeth Osayande

The Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nation Global, who is also the founder of The Platform Nigeria and Africa, Pastor Poju Oyemade, has said societies progress when educated citizens strengthen institutions, improve systems, and expand opportunities.

He stated this while delivering the graduation lecture at the fourth graduation ceremony of Trinity University, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.

The cleric, who spoke on the theme: “Innovation is the Key to the Future,” emphasised the importance of education and innovation to the growth of any society.

Represented by Dr Yemi Oshunaike, he urged the graduating class of 2025/2026, labelled: “Convoking a galaxy of stars: Empowered to make global leaders,” to recognise that true education extends beyond formal schooling. He explained, “Innovation frequently emerges from the interaction of the analytical mind, the collaborative mind, and the entrepreneurial mind—all working together.”

In his speech, Oyemade outlined the challenges faced by Nigeria, such as youth unemployment and the need for industrial diversification, while reminding graduates of their potential to contribute to innovative solutions.

“In Nigeria, while we are faced with structural challenges, we have also produced remarkable innovative ecosystems,” he noted, encouraging graduates to harness their skills in creativity and digital capability.
He challenged the graduates to think critically: “What problem can I solve? What old or new system can I improve? What public issue can I advocate with evidence, creativity, and civility?”

He stressed that their education reflects the sacrifices made by parents, teachers, and themselves, carrying with it both privilege and responsibility.

“The education you have received must drive you to pursue meaningful contributions to society beyond personal success,” he added. “Your mandate to innovate is non-negotiable because it is critical to the growth, development, and sustainability of our country and the world we live in.”

He urged them to see their innovative capacity as essential for survival in any part of the world. “Wherever you go, whether you ‘Japa’ or ‘Japada,’ your innovative capacity will be tested,” he warned, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing global landscape.

Meanwhile, 200 students from the Faculties of Arts, Social and Management Sciences (101), Basic and Applied Medical Sciences (64) and Nursing Sciences (35) graduated at the fourth convocation ceremony on Friday.

In all, 51 students made First Class degree, 61 obtained Second Class Upper Division, 55 obtained Second Lower Division, while 4 had Third Class.

In addition, 12 students from the Centre for Addiction Science and Behavioural Psychology received their diplomas at the convocation ceremony.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Clement Kolawole, described Trinity University as a university progressing with purpose.

“Trinity University has made progress in many areas of its operations between March 2025 and March this year. The University, in its quest for relevance and response to the needs of the society, has introduced four new programmes – cyber security, biochemistry, tourism and hospitality management, and courier and logistics management to the programmes on offer.

“We have also commenced a well-structured and functional Skills Acquisition Academy to expose our students to all-round education that will take them away from the unemployment/underemployment circle that is currently rocking the world.

“Similarly, the university has signed memoranda of understanding with agencies and institutions that share our core values and are willing to partner with us in our desire to continue to respond positively to the demand of our clients and produce students that have acquired skills that will help them to be job-creators, in addition to their degrees.”