A former Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, on Tuesday, July 30, charged university students to make discipline their watchword.

Ogunlewe made the call at an “Employability Fair” put together by Caleb University for its 2024 set of graduating students.

The Fair held at the university’s Multi-purpose in the Imota area of Lagos State was attended by chief executive officers of 16 A-listed organisations.

In his remark, the former minister urged the students to be disciplined, focused, and goal-oriented to achieve something meaningful in life.

 “Life is not a race, it is about what you have done with it. Don’t see this opportunity by the Employability Fair arranged by the university as the end, it is just the beginning.

“Don’t mortgage your life by excessive drinking, smoking, and unnecessary relationships with younger people. You have to be careful about early life.

“Your early life will reflect in your life when you grow old,” the 82-year-old counseled the students.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, challenged the graduating students to take advantage of the unique opportunity offered by the programme. 

He said: “Don’t squander opportunities because there may not be another opportunity in the future.  Don’t cut off expectations for your expectations not to be cut off.

“Take this opportunity with the whole of your body, not just your hands. This opportunity prepares you for tomorrow.

“In today’s world of work, equip yourself with relevant skills and knowledge. If you get the job, nobody will hold the job for you. Be focused and don’t waste opportunities.

Don’t allow the love of food to separate you from the love of God.”

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration (RISA) at the university, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, counseled the students on the importance of work-life balance in the workplace.

“For you ladies, don’t allow your work to cost your home. All find a way to balance the two,” the DVC chorused it to the students.

Other speakers during the programme include the Managing Director of Axa Mansard, Mr. Tope Adeniyi, the Head of Consumer Banking, Ecobank, Dr. Adeola Ogunyemi, the General Manager of Bank of Industry, Dr. Omage Ida Emmanuel, Manager, Recruitment and Onboarding, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Ibitola Somide, the Managing Director of Credital, Mr. Adams Abiodun, the Founder and Country Leader of Crownwell Securities Integrated Limited, Otunba Sola Enitan, and the Human Resources Manager, Nestle Plc, Mr. Ephraim Okundaye.

They all tutored the students on the requirements for successful adventure in the increasingly competitive world of work.