The Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to embrace failure as a tool for national development, saying societies progress when citizens learn from setbacks instead of constantly criticising their country.
Speaking on Friday in Lagos, shortly after receiving an honorary doctorate in Business from the University of Lagos, Tinubu said the essence of nation-building lies in accepting failure and extracting lessons from it.
“The country can go right if we, as a people, collectively move in one direction. We learn from our mistakes and take responsibility, rather than assuming Nigeria cannot succeed,” he said.
The business leader warned that fear of failure often prevents individuals from attempting new ideas, noting that major breakthroughs usually follow repeated setbacks. He called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially in education, health, and social services.
Tinubu also emphasised the role of alumni in supporting their universities, describing his award from UNILAG not as recognition of past achievements but as a renewed call to service. He praised the institution for producing problem-solvers and nation-builders who have contributed across public service, law, science, medicine, entrepreneurship, and the creative economy.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Tinubu said he grew up believing one could build beyond circumstances and find opportunity even in scarcity. “Do not wait for perfect conditions. You have to move, you have to dare, and you have to build as you proceed,” he told graduates.
Tinubu, born June 25, 1967, studied law at the University of Liverpool and the London School of Economics before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. He later co-founded Ocean and Oil Group, which evolved into Oando Plc, a leading integrated energy group in sub-Saharan Africa.
Beyond business, Tinubu has contributed to humanitarian initiatives and education through the Oando Foundation and engaged in global policy efforts, earning him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in 2022.
