Strive to rebrand Nigeria, proprietor tells matriculants

Matriculating students of Ronik Polytechnic, Ejigbo, Lagos, have been challenged to make conscious efforts towards rewrite the country’s history and contribute their quota to correcting the misrepresentation the country has suffered internationally.

Proprietor and Visitor to the institution, Mr. Chris Alabi, handed down the charge shortly after 96 freshmen were administered their matriculation oath.

Alabi who frowned at the widely believed notion that all Nigerians are corrupt, expressed that activities of some fraudsters who dupe foreigners at any little opportunity has put the country in a bad light, urging young Nigerians to strive to change that impression by working hard and living a meaningful life.”

He said, “Each time I travel outside the country and hear the discussions and beliefs of foreign citizens about Nigeria, my heart bleeds. It is believed out there that all Nigerians are corrupt and mischievous. How do we change that perception? As the country’s future leaders, you have a huge role towards ensuring that the true identity of this country is showcased to the world. You are the group that would rewrite the incorrect perception about this country.”

“As you begin this journey, you need to put all the advice to good use, be of good conduct and study hard so we will have a large populace with meaningful source of livelihood. Put in your best in your academics and help change the wrong perception about our country.”

Chairman of the school’s council, Dr. Moses Olubunmi, urged the new students to be in the vanguard of positive revolution, so as to place Nigeria in its rightful position among the comity of nations.

He said in this era of youth restiveness, only good conduct, hard work and determination to achieve success will guide them on the path of excellence.

“The new world of higher institution is a challenging one, full of temptations and psychological landmines. You are being called upon to navigate your pathway towards success and stay away from drug and cultism. The Ronik culture of excellence is put in place to develop a total man out of you and make you a better person by the time you graduate. Here we have zero tolerance for bad behaviour and gangsterism as we are noted for producing future nation builders. Remember the children of whom you are and watch the type of friends you keep.”

On her part, rector of the school, Mrs. Juliana Atoye, advised the matriculating to shun every form of indecent behaviour and social vices, warning that unruly behaviours would attract severe sanctions.

In a paper entitled, “The Road to Success”, Atoye stressed, “For you to be successful, you must be determined, the harder you work, the tighter you hold on to your dreams and success will eventually be yours. You have to be knowledgeable to bring your determination into execution.”