The Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Professor Philip Oguntunde, has challenged secondary school students in rural communities to rise above geographical limitations and pursue ambitious global dreams.

Professor Oguntunde gave the charge while inaugurating the maiden edition of the Global-Community Engagement Programme of the Department of International Relations of the university in collaboration with The Apostolic High School, Ilara-Mokin.

Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor urged them not to allow their rural or semi-urban environment to define the limits of their aspirations, stressing that personal growth is largely determined by mindset, determination and hard work.

According to him, “Your environment should not restrict what you can become. The only person capable of limiting your growth or development is yourself through your mindset, actions or inaction.”

To inspire the young audience, Professor Oguntunde recounted his own humble beginnings, noting that he grew up as a typical rural boy deeply committed to his studies. He explained that his first visit to Lagos—then Nigeria’s capital—came only after completing his first degree, yet he had always nurtured a dream of travelling across countries and continents, a vision he eventually realised through dedication and perseverance.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the Global-Community Engagement initiative would be expanded in future editions to include more schools across different communities. He added that the university also plans to explore opportunities to build the capacity of teachers in schools across Ondo State as part of its commitment to educational development.

Earlier, the Acting Head of the Department of International Relations at Elizade University, Dr. Tunde Fajimbola, told the students that the inauguration symbolically confers on them the role of representatives of a promising global future.

He explained that the initiative is being recognised by the United Nations as an inclusive programme for youth engagement and girl-child empowerment. According to him, the project is also designed to equip the students with global competitiveness while advancing key targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In her remarks, the Vice-Principal of The Apostolic High School, Mrs. F. O. Folayan, expressed gratitude to Elizade University for the collaboration, describing the initiative as a golden opportunity capable of shaping the future of the students. She urged them to take full advantage of the programme.

As part of the engagement, two students of Elizade University delivered talks on critical social issues affecting young people. Miss Grace Ekong addressed the students on the challenges of teenage pregnancy, while Miss Funke Agunbiade spoke on curbing bullying among students.

The event also featured the participation of the Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild, during which Professor Oguntunde and Mrs. Folayan were formally inducted into the groups, adding colour and symbolism to the landmark outreach programme.