The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has advised graduating students to place integrity above money and quick success, saying “wealth acquired without honour is fleeting.”
Senator Mark gave the advice on Sunday at the 2026 Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Pace Setters College, Abuja, where he was the guest speaker.
Speaking on the theme “Advice to the Graduating Class of 2026,” the former Senate President congratulated the graduands, their parents, teachers and the management of the school for sustaining “a tradition of academic excellence, moral discipline, and character formation.”
Senator Mark, who was represented by Senator Tunde Ogbeha, noted that in an age where education is often measured only by certificates and grades, institutions like Pace Setters remind Nigerians that the true purpose of education is to mould responsible citizens and ethical leaders.
“Your certificate may secure your first opportunity, but it is your character that will sustain your success. Knowledge may open doors, but integrity keeps them open,” he said.
Senator Mark urged the Class of 2026 to hold on to five principles as they step into a world shaped by AI, robotics, digital entrepreneurship and the creative economy:
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He said, “Graduation is not the end of your education; it is simply the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
“Wealth acquired without honour is fleeting, but a good name remains one of life’s greatest treasures. Your reputation is your greatest asset—guard it jealously.”
“There are no shortcuts to lasting success. Every worthwhile achievement is built on discipline, sacrifice, consistency, and perseverance.
“Never allow your background to determine the height of your ambition.”
“The world does not reward those who merely identify problems; it rewards those who solve them.”
The ADC National Chairman told the students that Nigeria belongs to them “as much as it belongs to any generation before you,” and expressed optimism in their talent, creativity and technological capacity to transform the nation.
However, he said the future they desire “will require responsible leadership, active citizenship, respect for the rule of law, patriotism, accountability, and the courage to stand for what is right, even when doing so is unpopular.”
“Never underestimate the power of one honest citizen. Every great nation is built by ordinary men and women who make extraordinary choices—choosing integrity over corruption, service over selfishness, and excellence over mediocrity,” he added.
Senator Mark also commended the Proprietor of Pace Setters College, Barrister Kenneth Imansuagbon, for his “unwavering commitment to quality education,” and appreciated parents and teachers for their sacrifices in raising the next generation.
He charged award recipients to wear their honours with humility, and urged those who did not receive prizes not to be discouraged.
“Life is not a hundred-metre sprint; it is a marathon. Continue to work diligently. Your own season of recognition will surely come,” he said.
He told the graduands: “True success is not measured by the wealth you accumulate, but by the lives you enrich, the values you uphold, and the legacy you leave behind. Go into the world with confidence. Lead with integrity. Serve with humility.”
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