Ace broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer/Managing Partner of Eugenia Abu Media Team, Eugenia Abu, has admonished Nigerian students in tertiary institutions to cultivate the discipline of time in order to achieve their dreams.
Mrs. Abu, a retired Executive Director of Programmes at the Nigerian Television Authority, gave the advice on Thursday while delivering a special public lecture organised by the Directorate of Advancement and Linkages, Felele Campus, Federal University, Lokoja.
In her lecture titled “From Campus to Career: Designing the Future You Want,” she identified time discipline as a critical ingredient for success in life.
She also emphasised the importance of good character and continuous learning in career development, stressing that students must embrace these values to secure a better future.
Speaking further, the ace broadcaster urged students to conduct themselves in a civilized manner, devoid of destructive tendencies while on campus.
“As students, you must conduct yourselves in a civilized manner devoid of destructive tendencies. Your character and instincts must reflect good behaviour. You must exhibit time discipline in attending to your academic activities and sustain a willingness to learn throughout your stay on campus and beyond,” she said.
She reminded the students that no institution of higher learning would award certificates without proof of both character and learning, urging them to avoid cultism and other social vices that could jeopardize their future.
“Dreams are very important. You must be intentional and courageous in your endeavours, as this will impact your life and future career. Designing the future you want requires courage and deliberate effort,” she added.
Mrs. Abu also warned against drug abuse, noting that illicit substances cannot help students achieve their goals.
“You cannot design your life by using drugs. Do not allow anyone to deceive you into believing that illicit drugs can help you. Time is of the essence, and you must not waste it on frivolous behaviour,” she cautioned.
She further advised students to respect and honour their parents, remain focused on their studies, and avoid excessive engagement on social media that could distract them from their academic pursuits.
“Strive to do the right thing, respect constituted authority, and let hard work and dedication guide you at all times,” she concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, charged students to identify and pursue their unique talents as a pathway to success, rather than chasing multiple career options without direction.
Professor Ibileye described the event as the first public lecture under his administration and expressed delight at hosting a distinguished media personality whose career has inspired generations of Nigerians.
Reflecting on the golden era of television broadcasting in Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor recalled how families religiously gathered to watch the 9 p.m. news on the Nigerian Television Authority, noting that the discipline and professionalism of broadcasters at the time helped shape public communication and language skills.
He paid glowing tribute to legendary newscasters such as Siene Allwell-Brown, Ronke Ayuba, Yinka Craig and Ruth Benamaisia Opia, who, according to him, “anchored a nation’s evening with dignity and excellence.”
The Vice-Chancellor further acknowledged the succeeding generation of broadcasters, including Cyril Stober, Fatima Abbas Hassan and Tokunbo Ajayi, singling out Eugenia Abu for exceptional distinction.
“I must say it plainly, without fear of contradiction, that you have outshone them all with grace and poise,” he said.
Sharing a personal experience, the Vice-Chancellor revealed his brief foray into broadcasting during his National Youth Service at NTA Abeokuta and later at DBN and MITV during an academic strike, noting humorously that he eventually realised his strength lay in academia.
He used the anecdote to emphasise the importance of self-awareness, urging students to focus on their strengths.
“The world does not reward those who chase every open door; it rewards those who find the door built for them and walk through it with everything they have,” he said.
Professor Ibileye described the guest lecturer as a perfect fit for the lecture theme, noting that her career trajectory exemplifies discipline, talent and clarity of purpose.
He particularly urged Mass Communication students to take advantage of the rare opportunity to learn directly from a seasoned professional who deliberately built a successful career in media.
The lecture attracted members of the university community, security agencies, media professionals and students, who gathered to gain practical knowledge and inspiration from the accomplished broadcaster.