Fashola Warns University Graduates to Shun Unexplained Wealth

Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, has issued a strong cautionary appeal to university graduating students across the nation to shun all forms of unexplained wealth and commit to working diligently for greatness.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World” at the 40th convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin, Fashola warned graduates about the lure of quick richees.

He stated unequivocally: “There is no easy and fast money anywhere without consequences and the consequences always lead to misery, regret and sometimes irredeemable damage. Don’t let it happen to you.”

Fashola noted that graduating students, especially at this difficult crossroads of decision-making, can become vulnerable. He specifically advised them to “run away as far as you can” from those who flaunt a “flamboyant and exotic life style” but refuse to disclose the source of their money.

The former Minister urged the graduates to avoid the “arrogance or burden of ego that makes you feel you are old enough to solve all your problems.” Instead, he advised them to seek help from more mature and experienced people, with close family members being the first option as they are the “least likely to wish you bad.”

Fashola also encouraged the graduates to embrace the mandatory Youth Corps year as an opportunity to gain clarity about their future paths. He urged them to make the most of the experience, embrace the differences in the landscapes where they are posted, and remember that despite the bad conduct of a few, Nigeria remains a beautiful and diverse place.