President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged youths to be concerned about the character of those who aspire to lead Nigeira. He said they should offer themselves for service.

“Being apolitical, ultimately, does you no good as political leaders make decisions that affect you in many ways. As such, you should be concerned about the character of those who aspire to lead you, just as I urge you to offer yourselves to serve where possible. “

Yesterday’s admonition by the President came as the race for the general elections next year gathers steam following last week’s “special press statement” by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which has generated a flurry of political activities, including  Wednesday’s  inauguration of the Obasanjo-promoted Coalition for Nigeria Movement in Abuja.

President Buhari, represented by a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University  (ABU), Mr Shehu Abdullahi, told graduands at the 27th Convocation of the Federal University of Nigeria, Minna, Niger State capital, of the need for mentorship of upcoming leaders to teach them the right thing.  ”It has become imperative as we mentor those who aspire to succeed us as leaders of a better Nigerian,” he said.

Buhari described the youths as the greatest resource of the nation and urged them not to lose hope but to continue the journey of greatness they are destined for.

He urged specialised universities to key into the focus of government on the provision of infrastructure, agricultural and solid minerals development by positioning relevant programmes and faculties.

Buhari advised the youth to join the anti-corruption crusade.

“I assure Nigerians of our commitment to fighting corruption within the ambit of the law.

“However, we need the support of youths and the entire citizenry to succeed.

“To this end, I implore all students, most especially the graduands, to rededicate themselves as ambassadors in this moral crusade,” he said.

Buhari said his administration was determined to address challenges facing education sector, saying, “it is in this direction that we released N23 billion for the payment of allowances to staff”.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Mr Abdullahi Bala, said 3,741 graduands were conferred with various degrees and diplomas.

Bala said of the figure, 3,096 received first degrees with 62 bagging first class; 1,006, second class upper; 1,526 second class lower; 468 third class and 34 pass.

According to him, 426 receive masters degrees; 46 bagged doctorate degrees; 173 others will be given post graduate diplomas.

The Nation