•UNILAG Pro-Chancellor admonishes graduates on character
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the Federal Government to enforce the provisions of the 2024 Cybercrime Act to protect citizens and society from the dangers of an unregulated social media space.
Speaking at the 56th convocation ceremonies of UNILAG, the legal giant stressed the imperative of regulation and the need to protect citizens from constant harassment and cyber-bullying.
He referred to the recent fine of £100,000 imposed on a blogger by a court in the United Kingdom as a measure to regulate the social media space.
“Citizens are not protected from harassment, from banditry, from assassinations on social media. We are not aware; we are not learning. We don’t know what the law is.
“And those of us who have a master’s degree in cybercrime, in cyber-protection, please let us look at the law.
“An occasion like this provides an opportunity for Nigerians to have an idea of the type of protection they have under the law,” he said.
He berated the desire to denigrate people and spoil their reputation through the internet, especially bloggers.
The SAN said: “We must not put this country down. It will be a shame. Who will succeed us?
“Do you disagree with any person, and the next thing you do is to sponsor bloggers to accuse someone falsely? Reputation is so sacrosanct.
“It’s the duty of the police, the duty of the government, to protect us from bullying.”
He advised the graduates not to join those who misuse social media for blackmail and reputation-soiling.
“And thank you, my daughters, my sons. Please don’t be bullied. Don’t join them.
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“Make a positive impact on society. You are going to shine. You are going to tower. You are going to soar.
“And when others fail, you will succeed. Don’t be part of the negative people. Don’t be. And don’t let us fall away,” the legal titan added.
On the recent settlement of the 2009 Agreement, he lauded President Bola Tinubu and Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, stressing that the agreement should not be breached.
The Pro-Chancellor said from next year, he would gift any male student who comes out tops in any faculty a cash prize of N500,000.
He noted that under his watch, the Governing Council has been trying for the past 18 months to work seamlessly and change the face of the university.
Olanipekun admonished the graduates to be good and worthy ambassadors of the university wherever they find themselves.
“As you step into the world outside these gates today, remember: education has prepared you for a living, but character will determine who you become in life.
“The world you enter will test your convictions before it rewards your competence. It will question your integrity before it celebrates your success. You must, therefore, stand firm.
“Carry your learning with humility. Wear your achievements with restraint. Exercise your influence with empathy.
“Wherever you go, let your presence add value. Let your words bring clarity. Let your conduct command trust. Do not merely seek a place in history. Earn one.
“And when your name is spoken in rooms you may never enter, may it be said, solemnly, and without contention, that here stood a product of the University of Lagos, who lived with purpose, led with courage, and served with honour,” he said.