By Dangwam Jude Dabee
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has challenged Nigerian graduates to reject moral relativism, uphold integrity and deploy their education, creativity and technological skills towards addressing the country’s developmental challenges.
Kukah gave the charge on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while delivering the 8th convocation lecture titled “The Pursuit of Happiness in a World of Moral Relativism” at Augustine University, Epe, Lagos State South West Nigeria where he urged members of the Class of 2026 to take responsibility for shaping their future and rebuilding the nation.
He lamented over the country’s moral decline stressing that, “the growing disregard for laws, corruption and the perception that opportunities are secured through connections rather than merit” had created a society where ethical standards were increasingly negotiable.
According to the Bishop, “A compass whose north changes according to who is holding it cannot guide anyone home,” he warned, describing the situation as the danger of moral relativism.
The cleric also cautioned young Nigerians against viewing migration as the only escaped from the country’s challenges, noting that although many had found better opportunities abroad, however the dangerous journeys across the Sahara Desert and Atlantic Ocean had claimed the lives and dreams of thousands.
Kukah urged graduates who choose to remain or travel abroad to become builders and contributors to society, rather than conclude that nothing meaningful could be achieved in Nigeria.
Addressing the relationship between happiness, faith and personal responsibility, Bishop Kukah drew on the teachings of St. Augustine, particularly the words, “You have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
He argued that genuine happiness goes beyond material possessions and personal gratification, stressing that what individuals love ultimately determines their choices and what they build in society.
The Guest Speaker further charged graduates to see Nigeria’s development challenges as opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth creation, particularly through artificial intelligence.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah addressing the class of 2026. Credit: Advocatus Africa.
Citing estimates by the International Monetary Fund that “AI could affect about four out of every 10 jobs globally,” he said the emerging technology has brought both challenges and opportunities for a generation entering a rapidly changing world.
Kukah urged universities and young entrepreneurs to harness technology, enterprise and investment to tackle poverty, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, educational exclusion and energy shortages.
He expressed concern that more than 123 million Nigerians were living in extreme poverty in 2025, while 18.3 million children were out of school, according to figures he cited from the World Bank and UNICEF respectively.
“Class of 2026, find one problem around you that your education can help solve. Understand it. Convene a circle of people who share your concern. Begin solving it,” he advised, adding that young people could build wealth while contributing to the common good by developing solutions to everyday problems.
He also called for a generation committed to integrity, patience, honesty, trust, love, sacrifice and care for others, urging the graduates not to surrender their responsibility for national development to politicians or government alone.
“Leadership is about ideas not office holding,” he declared while encouraging the graduates to respond to opportunities, pursue their dreams and use their education to renew society.
Kukah reminded the graduates that the future of Nigeria would largely reflect the values and priorities of the generation currently taking responsibility for its development.
“What you call happiness will shape what you love. What you love will shape what you build. What your generation builds will shape Nigeria,” the Prelate stated.
