Convocation: Chidoka Urges Varsities to Instil “Mekaria” Spirit in Africa’s Next Generation

By Praise Chinecherem

Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka has called on Nigerian universities to become engines of continuous excellence, curiosity, and innovation — what he described as the “Mekaria Spirit,” meaning doing more, doing better.

Delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Paul University, Awka, Chidoka urged African universities to redefine their purpose in the Intelligence Age by producing leaders equipped with curiosity, grit, and ethical grounding to build inclusive, data-driven societies.

“The future belongs to the curious, the courageous, and the continuously improving. Mekaria is not a slogan — it is a mindset of disciplined curiosity, moral courage, and unrelenting excellence. It is the spirit that built civilisations, discovered continents, and transformed institutions,” he said.

Chidoka recounted his early experience of arriving in Abuja for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with just ₦20 in his pocket, earning the NYSC Honours Award through hard work and integrity, and how that journey shaped his philosophy of Mekaria.

He emphasised that Africa must leapfrog the Industrial Age and harness the opportunities of the Artificial Intelligence era, arguing that universities must become “the infrastructure of innovation and civilisation.”

“If our universities produce citizens who can think, build, and serve, Africa will not just catch up — it will leap forward,” he added.

Addressing the graduands, Chidoka reminded them that “the future belongs to the curious, the courageous, and the continuously improving.”

“The 21st century will not reward those who wait for change; it will reward those who create it,” he said.

“Be curious enough to ask new questions. Be courageous enough to take new risks. Be disciplined enough to do more, do better.”

The Convocation Ceremony also witnessed the award of Postgraduate and Undergraduate Degrees to 615 graduates, including 18 PhDs, 54 MScs, and 474 First Degrees, as well as the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development.

Among the honorary awardees were Lady Dr (Mrs) Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of Keystone Bank PLC, who received the Doctor of Management and Entrepreneurial Studies (Honoris Causa), and Chief Williams Linus Ifejirika, who received the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa).

The event also featured the installation of High Chief Sir Dr Napoleon Onyewuchi (Oba Odezuligbo of Abagana) as the new Chancellor of Paul University, Awka.

In his closing message, Chidoka urged the graduating students to embrace Mekaria as a lifelong creed:

“When life says ‘enough,’ tell yourself, ‘I can do better.’ That is the spirit that turns potential into power — and nations into greatness,” he added.