Campus News

Shun ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality, Abdulbaqi warns youths

A Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, has urged young people to abandon the “get rich quick” mentality, warning that it leads many to unethical and criminal activities.

Prof. Abdulbaqi gave the advice last Wednesday (February 19, 2025), in a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin in her office.

Stressing the importance of hard work and patience in achieving success, the don cautioned against unrealistic expectations of instant wealth. She said that “prosperity comes with time and dedication.”

The first female Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin also expressed concern over the declining parental supervision of children, attributing the growing sense of irresponsibility among youths to parents relinquishing their roles too early.

“No one checks children’s excesses anymore; everyone minds their own business,” she lamented, pointing out that “in the past, grandparents played a significant role in raising both their children and grandchildren, but that tradition is fading.”

Prof. Abdulbaqi called on parents to take an active role in their children’s upbringing, ensuring they know their whereabouts and the company they keep. She said, “Let’s not chase after money, fame and lose our children.”

She said the society should desist from glamorising wealth without querying the source, stressing that “a policy that ostracises people of questionable wealth will put such excesses under check.”

She also urged religious leaders to preach virtues and social sanity rather than glorifying materialism.

Prof. Abdulbaqi further called for the inclusion of contentment in school curricula to help instill moral values in students. She said that greed is harming society and advised people to protect their integrity and reputation. “Wealth grows with time and hard work,” she stated.

The don also called on the government to enhance security measures, promote community policing, and encourage citizens to be vigilant in safeguarding their communities.