Be superheroes, fearless builders of advanced Nigeria, Aliyu urges ABU students

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Nigerian automotive designer Jelani Aliyu, MFR, has urged students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) to become superheroes and fearless builders of an improved Nigeria.

“You have to become fearless builders of incredible empires, builders of a society that becomes an essential part of human civilisation,” Aliyu said at the launch of the university’s ‘Create Before You Graduate’ programme.

Aliyu, who previously worked as a senior creative designer at General Motors in the United States, was a guest speaker at the event, where he shared his extensive experience, insights and vision with the students.

The automotive designer served as Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council from 2017 to 2023.

In his speech, Aliyu emphasised that the university experience should not end with receiving a certificate. Instead, he said, it should equip young people with confidence, creativity and the ability to develop solutions, create opportunities and add value.

He stated that students should aim to become builders of a society that is unique and indispensable in global affairs.

He added that the powerful talents within students needed to be rekindled to accelerate innovation and build a Nigeria capable of extraordinary achievements.

Aliyu described ABU’s ‘Create Before You Graduate’ programme as a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their talents, demonstrate grit and develop solutions to everyday challenges facing Nigerians.

He also said that, with the tools currently available and the mentorship of teachers and experts, students could compete at the global level.

Aliyu further emphasised that students should see themselves not only as Nigerians but also as members of the global community, sharing ideas, aspirations and solutions.

“Never allow anyone to discourage you or convince you that you cannot complete your task. Never argue with them, but be determined to achieve your goal,” he stressed.

He said Nigerians should continue to advocate for innovation and self-sufficiency, with the ultimate goal of producing their own goods locally.

Aliyu criticised Nigeria’s 85 per cent dependence on imported manufactured goods, describing it as unreasonable and harmful to the country’s economic growth and sustainability, as well as the well-being of its citizens.

He pointed out that Nigeria is rich in raw materials and possesses the talent needed to produce goods locally.

“So, the monster in the house is the incredible gap between our natural and human resources and the sophisticated products necessary for modern life,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu also underscored the need for innovation to take place within Nigeria and be driven by Nigerian minds, arguing that no nation could build a successful civilisation solely on consumerism.

He concluded: “You can only do it through massive industrialisation, massive innovation, and a hunger and a passion for futuristic progress.”