By Tosin Adesile
Professor Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria has called for the creation of an enabling environment that has the capacity of fostering responsible young leaders capable of driving positive change in a society.
He disclosed this statement during the anniversary lecture to mark the 117th Founder’s Day anniversary celebration at Abeokuta Grammar School in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Addressing AGSOBA and the Students on the theme of the lecture, “Raising disciplined minds: youth leadership and integrity in a changing Nigeria, Professor Peters noted that Nigeria is at a critical crossroad where there is the need to emphasize creating the enabling environment for integrity, ethical values, and resilience among our youths in Nigeria, especially amidst challenges of socio-economic corruption, emergent disruptive technologies and socio-economic instability.
According to him, discipline is more than willpower; it is nurtured through modelled values-honesty, empathy, humility, service, these must not only be taught but lived out. A disciplined mind resist corruption, withstands pressure, and does not bend to every societal wind”.
He urged them that leadership is not an applause, but endurance. It is not about going viral but going far. As AGSOBA, the role of mentoring youths who can shape, rather than echo, their environment is key.
Professor Peters further stated that the work of raising disciplined mind does not end with individuals alone but institutions must all carry this burden-families, schools, faith communities, media platforms, and government agencies adding that we have to admit that our various institutions are not doing enough to raise disciplined minds.
Professor Peters explained that money can affect the path to raising disciplined minds saying that we must commit to concrete, coordinated actions across all layers of the society.
Responding, Agsoba Chief Sunday Oduntan, President General of AGSOBA Global appreciated the Vice Chancellor for accepting to speak on a germane topic that needs to be addressed at a critical period where indiscipline is the order of the day.
The Anniversary lecture is part of the week-long programme slated to celebrate AGSOBA 117th Founders Day anniversary holding between 14th and 20th July, 2025.
