By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised graduating students of Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) to harness their education for global transformation.
He said that modern academic qualifications must be coupled with ethical leadership, adaptability, and local impact.
Jonathan, who serves as the Chancellor of CUU, gave the charge on Thursday in Kampala during the university’s 15th Graduation Ceremony.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony held under the theme: “Graduating Global Talent for Employment, Entrepreneurship and Impact.”
In his address made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, the former president called on the Class of 2026 to adopt a global mindset while remaining rooted in service to humanity.
“We are living through one of the most transformative periods in human history.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, climate change is redefining priorities, and global markets are evolving faster than ever before. In such an environment, qualifications alone are no longer enough,” Jonathan said.
The chancellor also tasked the graduating students to build their careers on three vital pillars; exceptional employability, fearless entrepreneurship and unwavering impact.
Jonathan said that employers now prioritise adaptability, digital fluency, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning over titles.
He also advised them to bring integrity, excellence, and resilience to every organisation they join by committing to “learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
Citing Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Muhammad Yunus, Jonathan noted that while a “job is valuable, entrepreneurship is what changes an economy.”
He urged the new graduates to act as job creators in key sectors including agriculture, technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing rather than waiting for traditional job opportunities.
“To those with the courage to build, do not become problem-bearers; become problem solvers. Africa and the world need job creators.
“Look beyond obstacles and identify opportunities. Look around your communities and identify unmet needs, embrace innovation have the courage to transform challenges into sustainable enterprises.
“Build businesses that generate meaningful employment, create shared prosperity, and drive social and economic progress,” he said.
He advised the graduates to remember that “the future is not something we wait for. It is something we create,” adding that it belongs to those bold enough to imagine it, disciplined enough to build it, and resilient enough to see it through.
“Third, Unwavering Impact. Whether you serve in government, lead a multinational corporation, establish your own enterprise or work in your local community, never separate success from service.
“Professional excellence reaches its highest expression when guided by compassion and purpose.
“Lead with humility. Lead with courage. Lead with compassion. Let your success become the ladder by which others rise.”
Jonathan reminded the graduates that true success was not measured solely by income or position, but by the tangible, positive difference made in the lives of others.
He also commended the parents, sponsors, and university faculty for their sacrifices and dedication toward nurturing knowledgeable and responsible citizens, urging the graduates to lead with humility, courage, and compassion as they enter the global workforce.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ismail Abdulaziz