Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, faculty members, proud parents, and, most importantly, the exceptional graduating class of 2024. Welcome to this momentous occasion, the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Today, we gather here to celebrate not only the end of a chapter but also the beginning of a new and exciting journey for our graduates. This service is referred to in the United States usually as a Commencement, because of the meaning of the word. This service is a culmination of your academic experience, and we are commencing you into the world of your careers, lives and futures.
To the graduates, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations. This day marks a significant milestone in your lives, and it is a testament to your determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to your education. You have shown us what it means to dream big, to pursue your passions, and to overcome challenges with grace and fortitude.
As we reflect on the years that have led us to this moment, let us remember the countless hours spent studying, the late nights fueled by caffeine and determination, and the unwavering support from family and friends who have been by your side every step of the way. Graduation is not just a personal achievement; it is a collective effort, made possible by the love, guidance, and encouragement of those who have shaped and nurtured you. If you are a parent of one of these amazing graduates, please raise your hand in the air for us to recognize you.
To the parents, guardians, and loved ones, thank you for entrusting us with the education and development of these remarkable individuals. Your unwavering support and belief in their abilities have played a vital role in their success. Today, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of our graduates but also the profound impact you have had on their lives. No person is an island, and each person here has a network of people that love them which has helped them reach this point today.
This year marks my very first year of serving as the President of your university and it has been an amazing journey that someone resembles that of the famed roller coasters of theme parks around the world. We have had our highs and we have had our lows, but today, we all come to the finish line of the ride with smiles and happiness.
In this first year of Nigeria, I have been able to be indoctrinated to West Africa by contracting malaria, not once, but yes, twice. Thank you, Naija, and especially those pesky mosquitos for helping me contract malaria. What is a journey in Nigeria without a little Malaria, right?
I still recall my first days in Yola, as they took me around to see many of the places and I wanted to see the market. It was on those days that I started to think my name translated to “Bature” in Hausa, as people continued to call for the “Bature” to come to their stand. I am an adventurous guy, so I tried to get some food for the market but my assistant Martina and Driver Modibo were quick to remind me, your stomach will not handle this prof. So, I decided what was the minimum I could try, and it was a small bag, a sachet of “Pure Water”. Pure Water, what could possibly go wrong…… within 10 minutes my tummy was in bad shape, needless to say, no more “Pure Water”, I will stick to my Faro water.
This year I have experienced some amazing opportunities to be with you all including National Day, where I was able to see how rich the diversity of this beautiful country, we call Nigeria really is. During that time, you the students amazed me with your dance, music, humor and fun as you represented many of the beautiful cultures of Nigeria. I even had the opportunities to attend numerous weddings and receptions. I am still hoping that someday that someone will “spray money for me”.
Americans and Westerns almost always fail to understand how diverse Nigeria is, and my friends, please do not think it is a weakness, it is the greatest strength in this country. Never let anyone try to divide you all, together, you can do so much more.
Together I have watched our athletics teams get their new Nike Jerseys, the true American sports brand, and join only the Super Eagles and Super Falcons as the Nike Teams in Nigeria. I have had the opportunity to watch our first all-women’s football match, and we have had a couple of the games here. And for you all that have played, we are just laying the ground work as next semester we will host an ALL-GIRLS football tournament on campus for the community.
I vividly cherish the moment the Muslim Student Society and I were able to work on a Jumma Prayer Day during Ramada and Aga Islamic Center and provide food for the people of the community. On that day, we were also able to bring around 100 new shoes for the young children. You never know in life how God will bless you for these acts and moments. For me, I was able to see it just a few weeks ago as I was giving out some lollipops to children on Bank Road. A group of five boys came up to me and were so excited and yelling at their friends, “it is him; it is him; it is our friend that bought us shoes during Ramadan. Hurry, come see him”. Life sometimes comes full circle as we hear that voice of the Almighty God say to us, well done my good and faithful servant.
For some of you, especially the ones graduating in CMD, we were involved with the United States Public Broadcasting Systems (PBS) filming of a documentary that will air all over the United States in the months to come. We have had a semester where we have gotten to enjoy some new food providers, and like you all know with me, I love some Ms. Esthers Beef Suya. I will be honest with you, swallow, still not this Bature’s favorite food but I will take puff puff, suya, jollof rice and fresh fruits any day. Just no Pure Water for me please!
Today, we honor not only your academic accomplishments but also the growth and transformation you have undergone as individuals. You leave this institution equipped with knowledge, skills, and experiences that will serve as a solid foundation for your future endeavors. Take pride in what you have achieved, and let it fuel your aspirations for the future. You all are not just educated in “book smarts” we have taken the time to teach you about entrepreneurship and the value of service.
Graduation is a time of reflection, gratitude, and hope. Take a moment to thank those who have supported you, mentored you, and believed in your potential. Remember the friendships forged, the lessons learned, and the memories created. Carry these with you as you step into the world, knowing that you are well-prepared to make a difference.
As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember that success is not solely defined by grades or accolades. It is about finding purpose, pursuing passions, and making a positive impact on the world around you. Embrace challenges, seek opportunities for growth, and never lose sight of the values and principles that have guided you thus far. As we gather here today to celebrate this milestone, let us embrace the spirit of gratitude, reflection, and optimism.
One of the greatest entrepreneurs the world has ever seen was the man behind the resurrection of Apple to where they are today, his name, Steve Jobs. Please listen to his words closely.
“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."
On this day, and every day forward, I implore you to follow that still small voice and continue to make the world a better place, one human at time. Remember always, life is never about the number of breathes you take, it is about the moments that take your breath away. (REPEAT)
One of my favorite Presidents in all of American history was Abraham Lincoln as I was born just 30 kilometers from his birthplace. Abraham Lincoln reminded us “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
May God bless the great countries of America and Nigeria and bless the continued lives of these amazing students of the American University of Nigeria. Congratulations and welcome to all once again.