We're integrating AI into all our programs - Fadl Al Tarzi
1200 students graduate; 7 Nigerians bag special awards
Nexford University (NXU), a next-generation online university based in Washington DC, America said almost 40 per cent of graduates of the institution have already studied Artificial Intelligence.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University, Fadl Al Tarzi said Nexford is gradually integrating Artificial Intelligence into all its courses and programs.
Al Tarzi made this revelation while speaking at the Nexford University 2024 Graduation Ceremony held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
"So whether you're studying business or finance or entrepreneurship or data science or software, you're going to be studying how to use AI in each of these fields. It's becoming the essential requirement, just like, basic English reading skills to understand AI," he said.
Meanwhile, the Nexford CEO said as the institution is integrating AI into all of programs, "Today, almost 40 percent of our graduates have already studied artificial intelligence. And most importantly, it (AI) can connect Nigerian talent with global Talent. So it can enable Nigerians to use AI to compete more effectively against talents and other markets that are not using AI," Al Tarzi said.
At the 2024 Graduation, a total of 1200 students graduated successfully. NXU, which prides itself for skill-education awarded seven Nigerian students for their outstanding academic performance and demonstrated character during their course of study.
Tarzi commended the graduating students for their quest for knowledge and skills to compete globally.
Peter Obi, the Former Governor of Anambra State (middle); Dr Oby Ezekwesili, CEO of Human Capital Africa (third right); Mr. Fadl Al Tarzi, Founder/CEO, Nexford University (NXU) (middle); Jennifer L. Scott, PhD, Chief Academic Officer of Nexford (fourth right); Mrs Bola Adesola, chairman of Ecobank Nigeria during the Nexford University 2024 graduation ceremony on Saturday at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. With them are Oghogho Inneh, Country Director for Nexford University in Nigeria (second right); Olatunbosun Alake, Commissioner of Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State (right); Prof. Chukwuemeka Osmond Iroham from Covenant University Ota; Mrs. Olamidun Ogundoyin, founder of Sooyah Bistro; Former Country Director of Nexford University (second left); and Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, chairman of the African Capital Alliance (left).
The graduation ceremony was graced by Peter Obi, the Former Governor of Anambra State; Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, CEO, Human Capital Africa; Mrs. Bola Adesola Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria; Jennifer L. Scott, Ph.D Chief Academic Officer, Nexford University.
Other include Commissioner Olatubosun Alake Commissioner, Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State; Mrs. Olamidun Ogundoyin Founder, Sooyah Bistro; Former Country Director, Nexford University and Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah Chairman, African Capital Alliance.
The outstanding students awarded are Omolade Ganiyat Yusuf and Eganoyemi Oloruntosin Adetayo, who emerged Best Peer Mentor in the BBA Program and Best Peer Mentor in the MBA Program respectively.
Christopher Chukwuka Otakpor emerged Outstanding Volunteer Award in the BBA, while Kayode Olaitan Owoyemi won the Outstanding Volunteer Award – MBA.
Outstanding Brand Ambassador Awards category, Abdul Shakur Haruna was awarded Outstanding Brand Ambassador – Ghana while Christian Arimoku Ebhoma was awarded Outstanding Brand Ambassador – Nigeria.
Meanwhile, with a loud applause, Oluwasegun Anuoluwapo Ogundiran, who finished with an impressive a 4.0 CGPA was awarded as the Valedictorian of the Year for Class 2024.
From the left: Olasunkanmi Idogun- Academic Resource Officer; Omar Mughal- Chief Financial Officer; Amarachi Chidiebere- Operations Manager; Rob Day- Chief Operating Officer; Chiamaka Uwaezuoke- Front Desk Officer; Fadl Al Tarzi - Chief Executive Officer; Jennifer Scott- Chief Academic Officer; Oghogho Inneh- Country Director; Tade Sampson - Software Developer; Mai Eyelash- Application Specialist; Christine Balolong- Head of Sales; and Mohammed Dorgham- Technology Operations Lead.
Also speaking on the 2024 graduation, the Nexford Country Director, Oghogho Inneh, noted that the graduands emerged from various programs, which include Undergrad - BBA, Post Grad - MBA, MSDT, MSDA and MSE. Oghogho noted that he MSE was launched last year, with potential to attract more uptakes.
According to Oghogho, the MBA program (1606) has the most graduates in the class of 2024 followed by the BBA program (141).
Oghogho said the Class of 2024 represents a dynamic and inspiring cohort of learners from around the world, united by their ambition to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“The class has embraced Nexford’s focus on workplace-relevant skills. Many have already applied their learning to solve real-world challenges in industries such as technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and business management,” she added.
Bring positive change, influence better society – Peter Obi urges youths
In his keynote address, Peter Obi urged the graduates to influence change for a better society and make meaningful contributions to the economy.
“You have acquired more than anyboby can acquire. If people in other countries go through the experience you pass through here, they won’t even pass. So go out there and influence change in the society that you live in.
“Don’t go about thinking about only making money. Go check anybody that makes meaningful wealth, they do so by creating value, by giving themselves out to serve the society. It is for you to help solve problems in the society.”
Tarzi who commended Nigerian students for their resilience, urged the 2024 graduating to showcase deliver real-time solutions that will change the world.
He said, “We are really proud of our Nigerian students. Nexford will continue to help Nigerian students bridge skill gap to be able to fit into the real world job market place globally.
“We are excited that over 75 per cent of our students have achieved their goal of investment with the quality of the education and the value Nexford has afforded them.
Speaking on the Nexford plan for 2025, Tarzi said, “We are planning expansion geographically to be able to expand our community of learners globally.”
Solve problems, prioritize skills, Ezekwesili tells graduates
Addressing the graduands, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, stressed on the need for Nigerian youth to embrace acquisition of the skill set of the modern-day job market.
Ezekwesili, a board member of NXU, noted that the job market is fast-changing, saying Artificial Intelligence will further revolunize how work will be done globally.
“Whosoever you’re we want to see an objective solution that has come from you, because you got the best of skilled education. That’s what we pride ourselves for. This is skilled education that you’ve achieved and it’s the 21st century skilled education.
“So, solve a problem and let your name be attached to that solution. It will be important. The fact is that when you go before board rooms these days, people don’t care about the certificates you’ve brought. They care about the complex situations that you can fix.”
