The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace integrity, hard work and lifelong learning, describing education as the most important investment any nation can make for its future.

Speaking at the 2026 Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Pace Setters College in Abuja, where he delivered the keynote address, Mark encouraged the graduating Class of 2026 to prepare for a future shaped by technology, innovation and creativity.

He said academic qualifications alone would no longer guarantee success, stressing that character, integrity, adaptability and critical thinking would distinguish future leaders.

Addressing the graduates, the former Senate President said, “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.

”Mark noted that countries which have achieved sustainable development did so by making deliberate investments in education, skills acquisition and human capital, adding that every classroom serves as a foundation for innovation and national development.

He encouraged the graduates to see their graduation as the beginning, rather than the end, of their learning journey, urging them to continuously develop themselves to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global environment.

He also advised the students to place greater value on integrity than material success, remain disciplined and resilient, dream beyond their present circumstances, and focus on solving societal challenges.

According to him, the world rewards those who provide solutions rather than merely identify problems, urging the graduates to use their education to create value, inspire hope and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Speaking on Nigeria’s future, Mark expressed confidence in the country’s young people, saying they possess the talent, creativity and technological capability needed to transform the nation.