The Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, academic and support staff, esteemed guests, fellow graduates, and family and friends herein – a very warm greeting to you all.
I am honoured to stand before you as the voice of the graduating class of 2024. I am overcome by emotion and gratitude that such an honour has been bestowed on me. Mr Vice Chancellor, let me put this differently – I am absolutely delighted that I have earned this award! It is a profound privilege to represent such a remarkable assembly of individuals – each from a unique background, and each with unique aspirations, and dreams, and yet bound by a shared journey, a journey that has shaped us into the people we are today, ready to leave a mark on the world.
A few years ago, still wet behind the ears, we embarked on this academic voyage, some with eager anticipation, others with trepidation. For many, it was a long-cherished opportunity – a gateway to a better future. For others, it may have felt daunting, as though we had been cast into the deep end, uncertain of what lay ahead. The University was an intimidating expanse, filled with unknown challenges, rigorous expectations, and the weight of responsibility. Yet, over time, this place has become more than just an institution – it has become our second home. It became a sanctuary of learning and self-discovery, where knowledge was not simply imparted but awakened within us.
We have been nurtured by an environment that has encouraged not just academic excellence, but intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. We have been challenged to question the status quo, to push the limits of our understanding, and, most importantly, to lead with empathy and purpose. From the libraries that provided endless access to knowledge, to the lecturers who imparted not only wisdom but also life lessons, we were equipped with the tools to navigate a complex and ever-changing world.
Napoleon Hill was right, “Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness.” Indeed, our achievements today stand as a testament to the countless hours spent buried in books, preparing for exams, completing assignments, and conducting research. They are the fruits of late nights, early mornings, and the perseverance that kept us going when we felt we could not. Today, we celebrate the culmination of those efforts, knowing that none of it has been in vain.
To our lecturers and professors, we owe you a debt of gratitude that words alone can never repay. You have not only imparted knowledge, but you have inspired us to think deeply, to question claims, to challenge assumptions, and to seek the truth. You have pushed us to reach beyond what we thought possible, encouraging us to discover our potential and develop a passion for lifelong learning. Thank you for your patience, thank you for your guidance, and thank you for your unwavering belief in our abilities.
To our families and friends, today is as much your celebration as it is ours. Without your love, your sacrifices, your financial and emotional support, this day would not have been possible. You have stood by us through our most difficult moments, providing strength when we faltered, and for that, we are eternally grateful. And above all, we give thanks to the Almighty God, whose grace has carried us through every challenge, and whose blessings have allowed us to be here today.
To my mother, Miss Esnath Julius: God doesn’t make mothers like you anymore. You are one in a million. Thank you so much for your solid support. This award is for you too.
To those who are still pursuing their studies, remember that success is not measured by ease but by the perseverance and dedication you invest in the process. The keys to triumph lie in hard work, sacrifice, and focus. Do not shy away from the opportunities and challenges before you, for they are the stepping stones to a brighter tomorrow. Be fearless, and seize every moment with both hands, for it is in the pursuit of knowledge and growth that we transform ourselves and the world around us.
Today we stand at the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, acutely aware that the road ahead is uncertain. The world we are stepping into is filled with complex challenges—social, economic, environmental, but it is also brimming with possibilities. If our time here has taught us anything, it is that we are more resilient, more capable, and more adaptable than we ever imagined. We have learned not only to survive but to thrive in the face of adversity.
In the face of uncertainty, let us embrace the unknown, for it is within that uncertainty that the greatest opportunities for growth and change lie. We, the class of 2024, are the architects of the future. We are the next generation of leaders, thinkers, creators, and innovators. The world is waiting for our energy, our ideas, our courage, and our compassion. Let us not fear the enormity of the task ahead but approach it with the same determination and passion that brought us where we are today.
Let us dream big, push boundaries, and redefine what is possible. Let us create a future of which we, and those who come after us, can be proud. The journey does not end here; it merely begins.
Congratulations, class of 2024. May your future be filled with purpose, success, and endless opportunities.
Thank you.