Mele Kyari, the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has advised youths to look beyond acquiring certificates in universities.
Kyari spoke on Wednesday in Niger state, when he was conferred with a honorary doctorate in engineering by the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.
The event was the institution’s 30th convocation ceremony.
Other dignitaries who received honorary doctorates from the institution were Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state; Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder and chairman of BUA Group; and Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Delivering a keynote address, Kyari promised to be an advocate for young people and urged them to acquire skills in line with current technological developments.
“I am happy to be here I will continue to be an advocate and ambassador of this university,” he said.
“In every ramification possible, but more importantly for the young people, this is a world of technology. Today, things are changing more rapidly than we can ever imagine. Things are changing at such a speed that for many of us — I am 57 — even at my age, it is difficult to follow.
“Therefore, for young people here, the prosperity is yours; the future is yours. But the future is so short that children and young people must learn skills, not just acquire certificates.
“Once you learn skills, the world will need you and you will become part of the journey of progress that this country deserves and I believe that this country will be a great place.”