ASE VC Adedimeji Urges Students to Build Legacy Beyond Academic Success
The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has urged students to pursue lives of impact and service, saying true legacy is measured not only by academic success but by positive contributions to society.
Adedimeji gave the charge while delivering a keynote lecture titled “Beyond Academic Success: Building a Legacy of Impact” at the graduation ceremony of Everest Heights International Academy, Gwagwalada, Abuja, held at the University Stadium of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja).
Speaking on the broader theme, “Learning, Leadership and Legacy,” the VC encouraged the graduating pupils and students to see education as a means of becoming responsible, useful and impactful citizens.
According to him, “Legacy is created through repeated choices. You build a legacy when you help a struggling classmate rather than mock him. You build a legacy when you start a reading group, organise a tutorial, mentor a younger student or contribute to a community project. You build a legacy when you use your skills to address a local need.”
Adedimeji explained that the invitation to deliver the lecture came from the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Toddlers’ Haven and Everest Heights International Academy, Dr. Bukola Dosunmu, whom he first met while serving with her on the Federal Government’s Ministerial Committee on the Improvement of the Quality of Examinations in Nigeria in 2025.
He described Dosunmu as “a medical doctor by training and an educator by choice,” adding that she distinguished herself during the committee’s assignment, leading to a professional relationship that has continued over the years.
Ahead of the graduation ceremony, the ASE Vice-Chancellor paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, in line with university protocol.
Reflecting on the visit, Adedimeji said he had long desired to visit the institution since assuming office at the African School of Economics two years ago, adding that the opportunity finally came through the graduation event.
During the meeting, he commended Fawehinmi for his reported efforts to address the challenge of absentee staff, commonly referred to as “ghost workers,” within the university.
“I commend him on the information that a lecturer provided to me on how the Vice-Chancellor is dealing with the phenomenon of ghost workers. I like the fact that he was ready to step on some entrenched sore toes,” Adedimeji said.
He added that both institutions identified areas of mutual interest and expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration to advance shared goals within Nigeria’s higher education ecosystem.
Prof. Fawehinmi later welcomed guests at the graduation ceremony, including representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), traditional rulers and other stakeholders, before officially declaring the event open.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Everest Heights International Academy for producing Miss Amra Onize Salihu, a 500-level Law student of Yakubu Gowon University, who recently won the 9th Inter-Universities Speech Contest organised by the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
Salihu emerged victorious at the regional competition held on July 22, 2026, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, defeating contestants from across West Africa to win the title and a $1,000 cash prize.
Congratulating both the academy and the university, Adedimeji praised their commitment to academic excellence and leadership development, expressing confidence that their partnership would continue to produce outstanding graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
