Member representing Agege Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Jubril Abdulkareem K
areem, has added a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Babcock University to his list of accomplishments, urging Nigerians—especially young people—to embrace lifelong learning.
Dr. Kareem was among the doctoral graduates honoured at the university’s 2026 convocation ceremony, which brought together government officials, academics, professionals, family members and well-wishers from across the country.
Speaking shortly after receiving his doctorate, the lawmaker described the achievement as the product of years of perseverance, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to knowledge.
He attributed the successful completion of the programme to the grace of God, recalling that his academic journey began in 2019 and was marked by several challenges.
“We have to appreciate Almighty God for making this possible. It has been a great journey. We started in 2019, almost as if we were just playing, but it became a serious academic commitment,” he said.
Dr. Kareem identified the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during the period of his studies as one of the major challenges he faced, noting that frequent journeys to the university became physically demanding and time-consuming.
“The most difficult aspect of the journey was when the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was under reconstruction. Travelling became very tedious, but we found a way through it, and by the grace of God, today we are celebrating the successful completion of the programme,” he added.
The legislator said his decision to pursue a doctoral degree was motivated by the desire to deepen his knowledge and improve himself despite the demanding responsibilities of public office.
“As a legislator, we believe we must continue to improve ourselves. We felt we could add to our knowledge, and that was why we embarked on this journey. Looking back today, we have no regrets. We are grateful to God for every step we have taken,” he said.
Explaining his passion for education, Dr. Kareem described the pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong responsibility, stressing that learning does not end with the acquisition of academic certificates.
“It is all about knowledge. When you are enthusiastic about learning, you always want to acquire new knowledge. As a Muslim, we believe that seeking knowledge is from the cradle to the grave. Even though we have acquired a PhD, it does not mean learning has ended. We will continue to learn because every day brings new ideas, innovations and experiences,” he said.
According to him, although a PhD may be regarded as the highest academic qualification in many fields, it should not mark the end of intellectual growth.
“In terms of certification, one may say the PhD is the peak for now, but there are still many opportunities to learn. The world is changing every day, and what is happening around us continually teaches us new lessons,” he noted.
The lawmaker also urged young Nigerians to develop a culture of lifelong learning and remain open to acquiring knowledge both within and outside the classroom.
“My message to the younger generation is simple: never stop learning. Learning is not limited to the four walls of a classroom. Every day, whether through what you see or experience, you learn something new. Continue learning so that you can grow with the world and remain relevant in a rapidly changing society,” he advised.
Dr. Kareem’s latest academic achievement adds to the growing number of Nigerian public office holders combining public service with academic advancement, highlighting the importance of continuous education, research and intellectual development in effective leadership and governance.
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