Mutfwang Inspires Hope for a Better Nigeria at Veritas University Abuja Convocation Lecture

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere PhD, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Esq., has expressed optimism that Nigeria can emerge as a better, stronger and more prosperous nation, worthy of emulation, if citizens deliberately deploy the knowledge acquired from reputable institutions to advance national development, guided by wisdom, integrity, moral discipline and faith in God.

Governor Mutfwang made this submission on Friday, November 5, 2026, while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 15th Convocation Ceremony of Veritas University, Abuja, held at the University Auditorium in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory. The lecture, titled “Building the Nigeria We Want: The Role of the Educated Mind,” examined the responsibility of education and intellectual leadership in shaping a nation founded on justice, excellence, shared prosperity and enduring democratic values.

The Governor expressed profound gratitude to the management of the University for the honour of inviting him to deliver the convocation lecture, describing the engagement as a valuable opportunity to reflect and exchange ideas with members of the academic community at a time when society is confronted with competing ideologies, emerging challenges and distractions that demand sound judgment, intellectual courage and moral clarity.

Reaffirming his unwavering faith in the Nigerian project, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the country's remarkable diversity, noting that the coming together of its different peoples, cultures, religions and traditions was not accidental but part of God's divine purpose. He stressed that Nigeria's diversity should be harnessed as a source of collective strength rather than a basis for division.

He further emphasised the need for Nigerians to honour the social contract between the government and the governed, anchored on the principles of the rule of law, security, popular consent, access to education and healthcare, political participation, freedom of association and the preservation of human dignity.

Governor Mutfwang placed the responsibility for building the Nigeria of our collective aspirations squarely on the educated mind, stressing that national transformation requires critical consciousness, the courage to think independently rather than merely follow, the discipline to distinguish truth from propaganda, the moral conviction to choose what is right over what is convenient, and the competence to translate ideas into tangible results.

"Our nation is not short of people who mean well; it is short of people who can do well, who marry the will to the skill. Let your generation be known for both," the Governor admonished the graduands. He further observed that Nigeria had never suffered from a shortage of intelligence, as its citizens continue to distinguish themselves across various fields of human endeavour around the world. However, he noted that what the country urgently needs is intelligence anchored in integrity and brilliance committed to selfless service.

Governor Mutfwang charged the graduands to deploy their acquired knowledge, skills and intellectual capacities towards rebuilding Nigeria, urging them not to lose faith in their country, irrespective of where their professional and personal aspirations may take them. He reminded them that nations admired for their progress were not built by their brightest citizens abandoning them, but by people who remained committed to contributing to the development of their societies.

"The nations you admire were not built by their finest people departing. If your path leads abroad, let your success flow homeward, in knowledge, investment, mentorship, and the stubborn refusal to write off the country that made you.

"Distance need not mean desertion, and the answer to japa is not a lecture but a country worth staying for, which it now falls to your generation, and those of us who govern, to build," he stated.

The Governor challenged the graduands to become builders of enduring institutions, champions of ethical leadership and agents of positive change, emphasising that their worth would ultimately be measured not merely by the certificates they receive or the positions they occupy, but by the impact they make on society. He urged them to embrace hard work, uphold the highest standards of integrity, choose the harder right over the easier wrong and commit themselves to leaving Nigeria better than they met it.

He also commended the Catholic Church for its enduring contributions to national development, particularly through its investments and interventions in education, healthcare and humanitarian services, noting that these initiatives have played a significant role in improving the quality of life and expanding opportunities for citizens. He acknowledged the Church's commitment to human development and the promotion of values that strengthen society.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth E. Ichoku, expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for honouring the University's invitation despite his demanding schedule, noting that his presence and intellectual contributions had added immense value to the prestige and academic standing of the institution.

He charged the graduands to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth and to distinguish themselves as leaders of character, reminding them that the University's motto places truth not only at the centre of academic inquiry but also as an indispensable principle of personal conduct and public service.

The Vice Chancellor further observed that in an era of rapid transformation and unprecedented global challenges, integrity and honesty would remain among the most valuable assets of the graduating students. He maintained that integrity, competence and innovation were essential qualities required to navigate emerging challenges, seize opportunities and make meaningful contributions to society.

Prof. Ichoku urged the graduands to cherish their country, embrace responsible citizenship and uphold the values of patriotism, excellence and service. He also charged them to become worthy ambassadors of Veritas University and dependable contributors to the realisation of Nigeria's aspirations, reminding them that the future of the nation rests significantly on the character, choices and contributions of the younger generation.

The Governor was accompanied to the ceremony by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro; retired Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali; and Members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief John Dafan, Hon. Vincent Bulus, Hon. Daniel Asama and Hon. Ishaya Lalu. Others included Hon. Lumumba Da'ade, former Member of the House of Representatives; Hon. Alfred Ajang; Hon. Joyce Ramnap, mni, Commissioner of information and Communication, Mrs. Mary Afan, mni; and Engr. Danladi Mwantok, Coordinator, Abuja Liaison Directorate, among several other dignitaries.