Learn abroad, bring knowledge back home, school owner tells students
The Chairman, Dowen College, Lagos, Dr. Olumide Philips, has advised students to come back to Nigeria after studying and learning abroad.
Speaking during the DLC valedictory and founders Day ceremony on Wednesday night, Philips told the students to always remember that no matter where they found themselves, Nigeria was always home.
The valedictorian was Chimamaka Odoemenam.
“We are grateful to God because you have done excellently well. Remember, as you leave here, you now carry a name for your family, school and nation. You have to stand tall.
“Those leaving Nigeria will come back better, greater and turn it around for all of us. Don’t forget Nigeria is home.
“Whatever knowledge you get there, bring it back here. I want you to go acquire knowledge and please come back and invest in Nigeria. Don’t be among those who will go abroad and start condemning Nigeria. Be truthful, be careful, be a model of good works and show integrity”.
The guest speaker at the event, Dean, Faculty of Dental Service, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluranti daCosta, also told the students that Nigeria would not change by itself but they should think about coming back whenever they had the opportunity to study abroad.
“The country will not change itself, but go learn, imbibe, look around , take a short restrain and think about coming back. The opportunity to go out is always there”.
daCosta also told the students to follow their passion, adding that parents should not choose course for their children.
Canon Charles Alabi, who gave the word of exhortation and prayed for the graduating students, encouraged them to be focused and not disappoint their parents and this nation.
He said, “You will be relevant in your generation, if you remain focused, don’t disappoint your parents and this nation. Always speak the truth, you must not be found in cultism or sexual pervasion”.
The Principal/Head of School, Mrs. Adebis Layiwola also said, “I encourage you to dream big and work towards the achievement of your dreams in measurable steps. Dream big as you go on in life, do not lean on your own understanding alone; also trust in the Lord”.
