Sir Sam Jonah has advised graduates of the Morgan State University Graduating Class of 2024 to get themselves prepared to surmount the global challenges of a world riddled with wars, famine, disease, racial and gender discrimination, and a multitude of problems.
He was delivering a commencement address to the Morgan State University Graduating Class of 2024 where he averred that they should endeavour to make their voices heard loudly on social matters but in doing so, not to do anything that will distort nor detract the, from the clarity of their message.
He expressed confidence that the education they have received has equipped you to surmount any obstacles.
“Through no fault of yours, a different world with various, and evolving, challenges awaits you. While many forebears may find cold comfort in progress made in certain aspects of life, I am not afraid to say in candour and humility that my generation has not been kind to you,” he said.
According to Sir Sam Jonah, the current global landscape is deeply influenced by a myriad of geopolitical and socio-economic challenges across all continents, highlighting the intricate interdependencies, and the urgent need for radical action.
Societal divisions, he mentioned, have intensified, whilst the ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to staggering human and material losses, starkly illustrating the dire consequences of prolonged hostilities.
“We pray that there will be a redoubling of efforts to resolve the present conflict in Gaza and to find a long-term solution to the Israel-Palestinian problem.”
He noted that, sadly, all these seemingly intractable global crises reveal a paucity of humane, decisive, just, and provident leadership and it is instructive for the old to listen in humility when the young today say with anger and pain that my generation has failed them.
He said: “In recent times, these seeming exogenous events have manifested themselves on university campuses across the United States of America very much in keeping with the age-old American tradition of student protests. Indeed, students of history will appreciate the role student activism has played in various aspects of human history. It is in this country that student activists helped in the emancipation of women and African Americans, campaigned for the creation of African American and Black Studies programs in several American universities in 1968, and campaigned for an end to America’s participation in the Vietnam War. In Ghana, South Africa, and almost all African countries, student activism was at the forefront of our independence and liberation struggles. What we are therefore witnessing today is not unusual in the context of the historical role students have played in the quest for a just and fairer world.”
Sir Sam Jonah challenged the students to, as they step into the world, to engage in the political processes of their countries as their active participation is crucial quoting Plato saying; “The price of apathy in public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”
“By not getting involved, we leave the door open for less principled individuals to take charge. Your education and the values you have learned here at Morgan State University make you ideal candidates to be the ethical and visionary leaders the world so desperately needs. Do not shy away from this responsibility. Embrace it, and strive to create a society where justice, fairness, and integrity prevail” he said.
AI
Sir Sam Jonah also mentioned that their journey ahead is one of great promise with more technological help than any generation has ever received with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He said, the new world of Artificial Intelligence presents exciting opportunities as well as significant responsibilities for this generation and life is never going to be the same again.
“Automation and robotization will be of greater use to handle routine tasks to replace human labour in many fields, leading to a disruption of traditional industries. To mitigate the risks of looming joblessness in many sectors of the economy, the workforce of today and tomorrow needs to engage in upskilling and reskilling. Bright and industrious graduates and the workforce must commit to relearning so as to embrace new job opportunities as well as create new ones.”
“…As you go forth into the changing job market, consciously participate in advocacy for policies and regulations that will inure to the benefit of humanity. Inaction will not solve the problems that are sure to come with the greater use of AI.”
He also challenged the graduates to be reminded of the transformative and impactful journey of a small Centenary Biblical Institute founded in 1867 to become the world-renowned institute of excellence in teaching, research, public service and community engagement that Morgan State University is today, saying, it is his belief that this institution has adequately equipped you with the most powerful weapon – your education, to change the world.
“Today, your education and achievement, enjoin you to a sacred lineage of scholars, activists, entrepreneurs and leaders. You are tasked with not merely navigating the world but with remolding it into a place of greater fairness, justice, and humanity.”