The American University of Nigeria (AUN) marked its 17th Commencement Ceremony with a reflective and emotionally charged address delivered by Israel Chimzibudu Curtis-Dike, the Class of 2026 speaker and Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) graduate with honors. He described his cohort as “a class of incredible stories.”
Speaking on behalf of his graduating class on May 9th, 2026, Curtis-Dike centered his address on resilience, sacrifice, and shared achievement, portraying the Class of 2026 as a generation shaped by both academic pursuit and personal endurance.
He paid tribute to the founding vision of the institution, describing the university as the realization of the dream of its founder, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, and a testament to the enduring power of visionary leadership. According to him, the institution stands as proof that “dreams can change not just the present, but generations to come.”
Curtis-Dike also highlighted the often-unseen sacrifices behind each graduate’s success, noting the role of families, guardians, mentors, and friends who supported students throughout their academic journey. He stressed that every achievement represented years of collective effort beyond the classroom, adding that “the story of this class began long before matriculation.”
Reflecting on his personal experience, he spoke candidly about moments of doubt and difficulty, describing perseverance as a defining factor in reaching graduation. “Many days we felt like giving up,” he said, “but we discovered that there is strength in persistence and purpose in showing up even when the road becomes difficult.”
He also celebrated the diversity and unity of the graduating class, noting that students arrived at AUN with different backgrounds, challenges, and aspirations, yet emerged as a cohesive community. “Each of us was shaped by different battles and different victories,” he said, “yet somehow we came together to form something bigger than ourselves.”
Curtis-Dike further reflected on the journey of the Class of 2026 as one marked by failure, learning, healing, and growth, urging his peers to carry those lessons forward beyond the university environment.
Encouraging graduates to embrace the future with confidence, he emphasized that education must translate into meaningful impact in society. He urged them to remain steadfast in the face of rejection, uncertainty, and fear, noting that success is built on consistency, courage, and persistence. “The world is waiting for what we will create, what we will believe, and who we will become,” he said, calling on graduates to step forward as agents of change.
He concluded his address with a message of hope and purpose, reminding his peers of their shared responsibility to lead and inspire. “We are lights in the world whether we realize it or not,” he said. “To infinity and beyond, may we continue to grow, to serve, and to shine.”
His remarks were met with sustained applause from graduates, faculty, parents, and guests at the ceremony.
Reported by Martha Vincent