The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on graduating students of Lagos State University (LASU) to strive for distinction, remain committed to Nigeria and put their expertise and international connections to work for the country’s advancement.
Dabiri-Erewa made the call on Tuesday while delivering the Convocation Lecture at LASU’s 29th and 30th Convocation Ceremonies.
The lecture, titled “From LASU to the World: Harnessing the Nigerian Diaspora as the 7th Region for National Development,” focused on the enormous potential of Nigerians living and working outside the country.
The NiDCOM boss described the Nigerian diaspora as the nation’s “7th Region,” saying it represents a formidable global community endowed with professional expertise, capital, knowledge, innovation and strategic relationships that can be harnessed for national progress.
She maintained that Nigeria’s expanding presence across the globe offers significant opportunities for development, particularly if the knowledge, skills and resources acquired by Nigerians abroad are redirected towards solving challenges at home.
“Be skilled, not just certified. Let your skills be your currency. Learn digital skills, communication and other relevant skills,” she said.
Addressing the graduates, Dabiri-Erewa urged them to embrace a global outlook without losing sight of their Nigerian identity.
She noted that travelling abroad or gaining international exposure should go beyond individual career advancement, stressing that such experiences should equip graduates with knowledge, relationships and ideas that could eventually benefit their communities and the nation.
The NiDCOM chief encouraged the graduates to distinguish themselves in their various fields, regardless of where life takes them, while preserving a meaningful connection with their homeland.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by LASU in 2023, also challenged the new graduates to turn their education, professional capabilities and networks into practical contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
According to her, achievement should not be judged only by financial success, career progression or personal recognition, but also by the difference individuals make in society and the value they create for others.
She therefore urged the graduates to “Be Useful, Visible and Nigerian,” encouraging them to project a positive image of the country wherever they may find themselves.
Dabiri-Erewa said Nigerians in the diaspora could contribute significantly to national transformation through investment, innovation, transfer of expertise, mentorship, strategic partnerships and other forms of engagement.
She further advised the graduates to leverage their positions and international relationships to create stronger links between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
The NiDCOM boss emphasised that knowledge and experience acquired outside Nigeria should be channelled towards developing the country’s human capacity and addressing national challenges.
The ultimate value of the 7th Region, according to her, lies in human capital, knowledge transfer, technology sharing, and global networks.
“Whether the graduates choose to stay in Nigeria to tap into emerging sectors like agriculture, technology, the creative industries, and manufacturing, or travel to join the diaspora as doctors in Toronto or engineers in Berlin, both pathways are deeply patriotic,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
Her central message to the graduating students was that their geographical location should not determine their commitment to Nigeria.
She urged them to make worthwhile contributions to society, remain connected to their roots and embrace the responsibility of giving back to the country that provided the foundation for their academic and professional journeys.
The remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
The LASU convocation brought together graduating students, university management, academics, parents, relatives and other stakeholders to mark the academic accomplishments of the institution’s graduates.
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