A cleric, Salahuddeen Ar-Riyady, has urged graduates of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) to demonstrate humility, integrity and good character in their professional and personal lives.

Mr Ar-Riyady gave the advice during a Jumat service held at the mosque on the university’s campus in Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos, as part of activities marking the university’s maiden convocation ceremony.

He said academic achievements should inspire graduates to become responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully to society rather than engage in self-glorification.

The cleric described education as a blessing from Allah, stressing that graduates must demonstrate gratitude by appreciating God, their parents, lecturers, benefactors and the institution.

He said appreciation should go beyond celebrations, urging graduates to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of those who supported their academic journeys.

According to him, the Quran teaches that gratitude attracts greater blessings, while ingratitude attracts divine displeasure.

Mr Ar-Riyady urged the graduates to remain humble, warning that academic qualifications should not make them look down on people without formal education.

He said knowledge should promote humility and inspire graduates to respect others, irrespective of their social or educational backgrounds.

The cleric also advised them to demonstrate gratitude through dedication to their professions, commitment to duty and meaningful contributions to their communities.

He stressed that academic excellence without good character was incomplete, urging graduates to shun dishonesty, corruption, arrogance and other unethical practices.

“Academic achievements without good character are incomplete achievements,” he said.

Mr Ar-Riyady further reminded the graduates that acquiring more knowledge came with greater responsibility, adding that intellectual capacity must be supported by sincerity, humility and truthfulness.

He urged them not to join those who merely complained about Nigeria’s challenges but to contribute positively towards addressing the country’s problems.

The cleric also called on parents, guardians and educational institutions to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and values needed to confront future challenges.

He advocated the integration of technology into teaching and learning to prepare graduates for the demands of contemporary society.

In her remarks, the vice-chancellor of LASUED, Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, expressed happiness over the successful completion of the academic programme by the graduating class.

She said the students commenced their academic programme in 2022 and completed it in 2026 without interruption.

Ms Lafiaji-Okuneye said the university organised religious activities as part of the convocation programme to thank God for the successful completion of the four-year academic calendar.

According to her, the activities began with a news conference, followed by the Jumat service, while a Christian service would be held on Sunday.

She said adherents of African traditional religion would also hold a prayer session on Monday, noting that the university recognised the importance of religious inclusiveness.

The vice-chancellor said the decision reflected Lagos State’s diversity and the institution’s commitment to recognising people irrespective of their religious affiliations.

“Whatever you believe in, hold on to your belief, and we will recognise you as a human being for having a belief in something,” she said.

She added that the university remained committed to professionalism, uniqueness and inclusiveness in its operations.

(NAN)