Jonathan charges African graduates on innovation, entrepreneurship

By Ikechukwu Eze

 Former Nigeria President has enjoined African graduates to be innovative, ethical and embrace the spirit of service as means of cultivating the right qualities for leadership that shapes the future and transforms societies.

Dr. Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Kampala while delivering an inspiring address as the Chancellor of Cavendish University Uganda, CUU, at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of the institution where he serves as the Chancellor.

In a powerfully rendered call to action, Dr. Jonathan challenged young Africans to seek to become active problem-solvers in society, rather than passive recipients of opportunity. “You have been taught to be problem-solvers, not problem-bearers; to be creators of opportunity, not seekers of entitlement”, he noted.

The former President reminded the graduates that people now “live in a world marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and unprecedented opportunities,”, adding that “the future belongs to those who are bold, ethical, entrepreneurial, and innovative.”

He noted that the theme of the ceremony, "Empowering Futures: Cultivating Leaders for a Global Tomorrow," captured the essence of the moment and the challenges ahead.

He commended Cavendish University Uganda, for preparing its students not only to succeed but to lead, saying the institution had instilled in them employable skills, an innovative mindset, and strong ethical values.

Drawing from personal experiences of hardship in his early education, Dr. Jonathan encouraged graduates to embrace their own struggles as foundational to future leadership.

 “That resilience is your first qualification as a leader,” he noted, urging them to lead with empathy, serve with integrity, and innovate fearlessly.

Also referencing his own experience as a former head of state, Jonathan spoke candidly about the true nature of leadership. “Leadership is not just about power or position. It is about service, integrity, and vision. I know too well the weight of leadership. But I also know its immense power to transform lives and communities. That power now rests with each of you.”

The Chancellor highlighted the importance of global citizenship, referencing the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” He challenged the graduates to be bridge-builders across cultures and disciplines, contributing meaningfully to both local and global communities.

Jonathan also shared the inspiring legacy of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, whose environmental activism began with the simple act of planting trees. He reminded the graduates of the ripple effect that small, purposeful actions can have on the world.

He said further: “Lead not just with your minds, but with your hearts,” he urged. “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of you can work to change a small portion of events.”

The Chancellor left the graduates with four virtues to carry forward including resilience, responsibility, relevance, and relentless service.

Goodluck Jonathan was appointed in 2021 by Cavendish University in Uganda as its third Chancellor. He replaced Benjamin Mkapa, the former President of Tanzania who was the second Chancellor who also replaced Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the former President of Zambia and CUU’s first Chancellor.

CUU which began business as a private university in 2008 was established by Africa Education Holdings, AEH, previously known as Maarifa Education Holding, a Kenya based education support institute that invests in private higher education institutions across Africa. AEH also owns Cavendish University Zambia and partners many other universities across Africa.

The graduation event brought together faculty, parents, university officials, and dignitaries from across the continent to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025.