President Bola Tinubu has proudly emphasized his academic excellence during a recent interaction with Nigerians while attending the G-20 Summit in India. The meeting, attended by Nigerian students studying in India, saw Tinubu sharing words of wisdom and encouragement.
According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, President Tinubu spoke passionately about the transformative power of dedication, honesty, determination, and a positive mindset in one’s pursuit of excellence in their respective careers.
President Tinubu reflected on his own journey, recounting, “Good education brought me here, and I am happy to stand before you as the President of Nigeria. I started from humble beginnings as a security guard and a school tutor. My academic brilliance opened doors, and I was fortunate to receive training from one of the world’s largest accounting firms, Deloitte.”
He continued, “I inquired if Deloitte had branches in Nigeria, and they assured me of abundant opportunities if I returned home. This led me to Exxon Mobil, where I achieved success as an accountant, auditor-general, and treasurer before entering politics with a can-do attitude.”
President Tinubu’s message to the students was one of unwavering belief in their potential: “You can also achieve greatness; do not lose hope in any circumstance. Nigeria is ready to welcome all its citizens, regardless of their origins.”
The President also emphasized the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s rich diversity as a powerful tool for national development. He stated, “Our country is blessed with tremendous wealth, both in terms of resources and population. Our unique cultural, traditional, and ethnic diversity can be the catalyst for our prosperity, if we utilize it effectively.”
President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to running for the presidency to address leadership and public sector management challenges in Nigeria. He stressed, “We are not lacking in knowledge or human resources; our deficit lies in leadership and management. That’s why I pursued the presidency, to help shape our nation’s destiny in the right direction.”