The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced yesterday that the Federal Government is set to launch a N300 billion Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund aimed at empowering young Nigerians to start their own businesses and achieve self-reliance. He revealed that each graduate will be eligible to access at least N10 million, with the possibility of receiving more if necessary. Dr. Alausa made this known during the convocation lecture at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, highlighting that the initiative is one of the strategic moves by the Bola Tinubu administration to transition Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-driven one. The lecture, themed “Patriotism, Citizenship and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future,” was part of events commemorating LASU’s 28th convocation ceremony. The Minister said: “If we look at patriotism, citizenship and national ownership, there is a major thread that connects them and that is education. Patriotism goes beyond mere attachment to national symbols; it is active engagement in nation-building and fostering unity in diversity. It is measured by actions that help in nation-building. “Citizenship also entails obedience to the laws of the land, civic responsibilities, national loyalty, and protecting national assets among others. While national ownership involves protecting national resources, using the same for the good of all etcetera. However, in all of this, education is a catalyst. Citizens must embrace their rights for the nation to thrive. “Therefore, the present administration has taken it upon itself to provide equitable access to education. Focus on technical, vocational and entrepreneurship training, give the girl child the necessary support, and ensure quality assurance in our education system so that our young ones will not only be patriotic, be good citizens but also know that national resources have national ownership and to be used for the good of all.”