VALEDICTORY MESSAGE
2013/2014 GRADUATING STUDENTS
DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING,
UNIVERSITY OF JOS
Preamble
It is customary
of me to deliver my traditional valedictory speech and host you to a trifling
refreshment today. Even though, that will not be happening, despite how much I
had wished the opportunity was available to deliver this speech physically and
officially announce my departure. But as you now know, I have commenced my
academic training leave enable me complete my PhD studies. Today may not be the
last day of examination in the school, particularly for part time students who
are about to commence theirs; nevertheless, do permit me to officially deliver
this message today! I will however, suggest
you read it in two ways (i) if you are still writing more papers or about to
start your examination just scan through the message now and thoughtfully read
it only when you have finished all your papers, and (ii) if you are done with
your entire examination- you are allowed to read and share it as many times as
you wish!
I am absolutely happy
and full of cheers today! First it is my second daughter’s birthday (Olanike- who turned four) and second
your day of graduation in principle! Surely it is a thing of joy to be alive to
see the last day you finally step out of the University campus. You are indeed
blessed to have made it to the finish line! Just before I make any further
statement, please pause and observe a minute silence for those who started this
journey with you and are not here today to share in the joy of finishing.
(…..may their souls rest in peace…)
Before you go……..
One thing you must drop, before you leave the gates of
the University is bitterness! Seek the forgiveness of everyone your errors of
omission or commission has hurt in these past years on campus and if possible
make sure they forgive you before leaving. And to those that made life
difficult for you while on campus you must also forgive. You cannot tell, this
may just be the last opportunity both of you may have together.
As I have always
affirmed, Lecturers are not necessarily people with the best of brains, but the
privileged few with the task of imparting behavioural change. Hence to say I
was perfect in all my decisions for the period we worked together will be a
gross overstatement! As such permit me to hanker your forbearance. You can be
sure that everything was genuinely done for your good and that of the system.
The Road Ahead!
Life
is in phases and you are about entering a new one starting today. While neither
of us can exactly predict what is ahead. I urge you to be positive and never
discount your dream for fear of failing. Real failure exists only in not trying.
If you try, you will succeed at it; even if it means trying severally! Be
anticipative of the best, while equipped for the worst.
To suggest things will always go well- is to
hallucinate. Life’s pedestals are
stiff, slippery and highly unpredictable! Whatever, becomes your lot in life be
bold to stand firm and deal with it. Once life begin to carry you through its
roller-coaster of turmoil please go down on your kneels- there is an amazing
power in prayer! And second, like I do as well; identify that music or song
that calms your nerve and play it severally until get your right spirit
back!
DON’T EVER GIVE UP CHEAPLY!
Champions
are crowned for the challenges they win and not the ones they elude.
Choose to live when faced with the
threats of death;
Choose to Love when hate is the appropriate
response to your foes;
Choose to create when the norm is to
destroy;
Whatever the price, make yourself a
distinction!
Never allow the world’s definition of ‘impossibility’ keep you from
achieving your dream!
Do not just dream big my friends;
dream luxuriously!
Do not only reach for the
mountaintop; reach for the stars.
In all ‘guard your mind with all diligence’- you may have heard it
before, but I must repeat it:
“Nothing is as powerful as the
minded”.
My utmost desire as a Lecturer is to see my
students excel and become greater than me/us their teacher(s). I charge you
therefore, to reflect on all you have learnt from us as your lecturers and use
the very best of them only. But be the very original version of yourself. Set
your goals for the next five years at least and run with your vision. In the
coming days, commit to more learning by reading motivational books. Seek
mentorship and practical work experience by volunteering time to a good course.
Stand for truth at all
times!
Avoid repeating your
mistakes of the past.
Develop yourself as an honest and committed
nation builder of our country.
Never use the accent, religion or colour of a person’s
skin as a basis for judging them.
Your vision and latitude
in life will become petit and overtly profane if you choose your associates
based on their religion, tribe, gender and most often as some Nigerians do-for their
wealth or fame!.
It is said that “to whom much is given much is
expected”. In our society, however to “whom nothing is given something is still
expected”. This will soon become your experience as people who contributed
nothing to where you are, will soon show up for their share of your success- be
ever willing to give them a portion in any way you can! More importantly is the
task the society will place on you- demanding values it did not necessarily
imbibe in you (i.e. asking you to be honesty, when indeed the society rewards
dishonesty). But you must thrive to live above board at all times.
Jealousy
and envy will only hamper your progression in life.
Worse
still is peer or sibling rivalry.
Be
happy for your succeeding mates and show concern to your struggling peers!
With
hard work and dedication you will always reach your peak.
In closing
Although,
I enjoy an exceptional hospitality that is garnished with extreme academic and
social comfort here in New Zealand. I still remain a strong believer in the
Nigerian dream and will be back at the soonest possible time to continue what I
love doing best. I hope to meet you in gainful and productive engagements on my
return. I know some would have become fathers and mothers by then- which is
indeed welcomed, so long as it is legitimate! I will sincerely want to come and
meet some of you as colleagues in Department of Accounting. So begin to prepare
yourself for the job of an academic if you have passion for it.
Finally, May the
Lord preserve you in perfect health and peace.
May He cause His
favour to shine upon you and bless the work of your hands!
Till we meet
again remain good ambassadors of our great nation.
Am ever proud of
you and surely will miss you all!
Once
more Congratulations!
Olayinka Moses
School of
Accounting & Commercial Law,
Victoria
University of Wellington,
New Zealand
+642335565
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