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Bring Back “your wealth of experience”: Catholic Bishop to Youth Planning to Leave Nigeria

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese in Nigeria. Credit: Veritas University Nigeria

The Catholic Bishop of Nigeria’s Sokoto Diocese has challenged youthful Nigerians planning to leave the country to consider bringing back to the West African nation what they gain from their host countries.

Speaking during the 12th Convocation lecture of Veritas University of Nigeria on December 9, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah said, “I encourage young people who want to leave Nigeria to please, feel free to leave. The country is big enough. We can assure you that by the time you settle down in the United States of America or wherever you have gone, you will discover that Nigeria needs you.”

Bishop Kukah underscored the need for Nigerians who leave the country to consider its progress, saying, “When you bring your wealth of experience to bear in the development of your country, it will help in fostering the needed development that we yearn for.”

“For those you left behind, our hope and prayer is that they will be competing at the same level with you. We have everything that it takes to turn our country around,” he added.

Bishop Kukah went on to caution young people in Africa’s most populous nation against relying on the political class for change in the country, and emphasized the need for the youth of the West African nation to “come up with the type of changes that have a positive impact on the society.”

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“We at Veritas University will continue to inspire and shape the new generation so that the change we expect in our country is not the change we expect from politicians,” the Local Ordinary of Sokoto Diocese who doubles as Pro-Chancellor of Veritas University of Nigeria said.

He continued, “It is the change that will come with a big intellectual understanding of the complex nature of this country.”

“Every graduate who passed through Veritas University will be truly equipped mentally and intellectually to conquer Nigeria and the various Challenges we face as a country,” the Nigerian vocal Catholic Bishop who is also known for good governance advocacy further said.

He urged the graduates to “remain focused and remember the school they were leaving behind.”

“The quality of help and support you will get from the alumni will be determined by how they left this university,” the 71-year-old Catholic Bishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in September 2011 as the Local Ordinary of Sokoto said.

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He added, “As you prepare to spend a new chapter in your life, I encourage you to remain focused on your dream. Do not forget your alma mater because you are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before you. Do not forget the sacrifices you have made.”

Bishop Kukah also appealed to lecturers at the institution of higher learning to strive to be role models to their students, and called upon parents and guardians to “endeavor to serve as models and mentors to these young people. Remember it could have been done anywhere. It’s not by accident that they are in Nigeria.”

Abah Anthony John contributed to the writing of this story

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