Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo expressed concerns about the challenge of finding people of integrity during the 2024 matriculation ceremony at Miva Open University in Abuja.
He discussed the difficulties of providing higher education in Africa and the limitations of traditional physical universities in meeting the demand.
Osinbajo noted the disparity between the number of students taking the UTME exam and those admitted to universities, emphasizing the need for alternative education models like open universities.
He highlighted the importance of making a lasting impact, rather than focusing solely on short-term achievements, for success.
He stressed the importance of integrity as the foundation for long-term success, urging students to consistently apply high moral values, repay debts, and keep promises.
Osinbajo noted that integrity is increasingly rare and in high demand, even among those in positions of power.
“Life is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said, adding that trust is essential for personal and professional relationships and that those with integrity are likelier to succeed in the long run.
The Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, also spoke during the ceremony. He announced that over 3,000 students were matriculating into 14 undergraduate programs across four schools.
He praised the university’s first year’s progress and growing popularity among young people seeking access to higher education.
