The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, on Tuesday in Lagos, described graduates as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future, saying the youths hold the power to shape the nation’s direction.

Mr Alausa said this while delivering the convocation lecture at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus, as part of the university’s 28th convocation ceremony.

The lecture was themed “Patriotism, citizenship, and national ownership: The imperative of collective responsibility for Nigeria’s future.”

Highlighting the demographic strength of Nigeria, Mr Alausa noted that with over 70 per cent of the population under the age of 30, young people wield immense potential to influence the country’s trajectory.

“However, this influence comes with responsibility,” he said.

The minister advised the youths to harness their skills to drive economic growth and engage in policy-making, governance and leadership.

“It is time to reverse the brain drain by creating opportunities that inspire young Nigerians to stay, contribute, and lead within their homeland,” he added.

Addressing the lecture’s theme, Mr Alausa clarified that patriotism was often misunderstood as blind loyalty or emotional attachment to national symbols.

He said, “In today’s Nigeria, patriotism must go beyond waving the flag or singing the anthem. It must reflect integrity, civic responsibility, and a collective vision for progress and unity.”

The minister urged LASU graduates to reflect deeply on the true meaning of patriotism, citizenship, and national ownership.

“The future of Nigeria depends on educated, enlightened, and responsible citizens like you,” he stated.

Mr Alausa encouraged the graduates to rise to the occasion, embrace responsibility with courage, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.

Also speaking at the convocation lecture, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, commended LASU for its strides in academic and infrastructural development.

“There is no gainsaying that education remains the ultimate solution to the myriad of challenges facing humanity,” Mr Ganduje said.

He praised President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for its commitment to expanding educational opportunities.

(NAN)