Guest Speaker's Speech at TAICO Class of 2023 21st Graduation / Prize Giving Ceremony, July 15, 2023

Guest Speaker's Speech at TAICO Class of 2023 21st Graduation / Prize Giving Ceremony, July 15, 2023

• Academics

SPEECH DELIVERED BY HON. JUSTICE A. A. ADEBARA GUEST SPEAKER AND GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE CLASS OF 2023 AND 21ST GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THOMAS ADEWUMI INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE, OKO ON 15TH JULY 2023.

It is an absolute privilege and honour to stand before you today as a guest speaker on this momentous occasion - the graduation ceremony of the graduating class of 2023. First and foremost, congratulations to each one of you for reaching this significant stage of your life. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought you to this very moment, and I urge you to enjoy every moment of it. I am also extending these heartfelt congratulations to the Proprietor, the Board of Trustees and Management, the Principal, all teaching and non-teaching staff of Thomas Adewumi International College. You have all played an important role in shaping and training this excellent crop of graduates today; without you, the level of excellence being celebrated today would have been nothing but a dream. I must also specially commend the Proprietor, Chief (Dr.) J. B. O. Adewumi – your commitment to improving the standard of education in Nigeria is impressive. Through your visionary leadership, innovative initiatives, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence, you have created an environment where students can thrive, teachers can excel, and the Oko community can flourish. Your remarkable contributions have not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but have also set a benchmark for educational institutions around the country. TAICO and the new Thomas Adewumi University are testaments to this. I pray that the Almighty God strengthens you and continues to surround you with excellent individuals who can push your initiatives with you.

Sir, do not rest on your oars and continue to be an epitome of educational excellence in this Oko community, in Kwara State, in Nigeria and all over the world.

It is also very impressive that TAICO has consistently raised the standards of excellence academically and morally for over two decades. I have firsthand experience of this because all my children were trained in TAICO between 2007 and 2020 and today I am the proud father of these children who are impeccably smart, morally astute, and innovative. Two are already thriving in their careers and the others are at the top of their classes in their university- I have TAICO to thank for this.

For the past 20 years, TAICO has produced excellent examination results in the WAEC exams, and the students have been outstanding in the Cambridge O’ levels and Cambridge A’ Levels Examinations, as well as Checkpoint and the BECE. TAICO students who also sat for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, Microsoft and DELF Exams have produced some of the best results in the whole country. TAICO students are well-mannered and able to express themselves with confidence at any stage they find themselves. For this, I am very proud to be associated with TAICO and I think you all deserve a round of applause for those enviable achievements. [Audience claps].

TAICO has maintained its standard of a holistic all-around education, which includes high-quality academic learning, an extensive sporting program and an extended range of extracurricular activities. This environment has proven to be a fantastic breeding ground for excellent products like today’s class of 2023.

Now, to the class of 2023, I have titled this graduation speech, ‘Round Complete “. I chose this title because your graduation today marks the end of the second chapter of your life and the beginning of another - a new journey into the unknown. Today, you stand at the precipice of a thrilling adventure, away from the protective eyes of your parents, guardians and teachers. Like the video game, I played when I was younger and I am sure most of you still play. The end of one round of the game signifies that you have overcome the challenges of that round; the excitement you feel when your game sounds out the words “Round 1 or Round 2 complete”, is probably the same excitement you feel today, having completed at least 6 long years of your Secondary School journey. Your Secondary School journey has been a pivotal time in your lives - a time of growth, learning, and self-discovery. For these six or so years, the walls of TAICO have been a place where you have made lasting friendships, developed your passions, and acquired knowledge that will shape your future.

However, it is time for you all to embark on the next phase of your journey. I can tell you for free, that this next round of your lives will be like nothing you have experienced before. In the past, certain crucial decisions have been made for you, but going forward you may have to make your own life choices; you will experience freedom, meet people from all walks of life and most importantly, you will have to carve your own career paths. Not all of these would be easy, but I urge you to remember that your experiences here in TAICO have prepared you for that future; here you have laid the foundation upon which you can successfully build your futures.

Each of you has unique talents, dreams, and aspirations that will guide you as you navigate the world beyond these walls. No matter what path you choose, remember that your education does not stop here. Learning is a lifelong journey, and it is crucial to embrace every opportunity to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. As you transition into the world, you will encounter challenges and setbacks, but I implore you to view these obstacles not as stumbling blocks, but as stepping stones towards your ultimate success. Embrace failures and setbacks as valuable lessons and catalysts for growth. It is often through adversity that we discover our true strength and resilience.

Furthermore, I encourage you to cultivate a sense of compassion. In a world that sometimes feels divided, it is important to recognise the power of understanding and kindness. Embrace diversity and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that everyone you encounter brings to the table. Remember that you are not an island of knowledge and every human being has strengths, knowledge and even weaknesses that make him or her special. Embrace the strengths of the people you meet, recognise their weaknesses; and be advocates for justice and equality in all aspects of your lives. Use your voices and your actions to make a positive impact on the world around you. Today, I have seen a glimpse of the greatness that is inside each one of you and I am certain that the world is destined to be a better place if you all can harness this greatness for the benefit of one another. So, I encourage you to love your neighbour, as much as you love yourself; be your neighbour’s keeper even as you strive for excellence in the world.

Lastly, remember the value of gratitude. Take a moment to appreciate the support and guidance you have received from your families, teachers, and mentors. They have played a vital role in your journey thus far and will continue to do so as you navigate the challenges ahead. As you venture into the world too, express your gratitude and show appreciation to those who will stand by you through thick and thin in your life’s journey.

As I end my speech, I want to reiterate my heartfelt congratulations to the incredible class of 2023. Today marks the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and resilience. But it also signifies the beginning of a new round in your life; a new chapter filled with limitless possibilities. Embrace the unknown with courage, optimism, and a hunger for knowledge. Take risks, pursue your passions, and never forget the importance of lifelong learning.

Remember, the world needs your unique talents, perspectives, and contributions. So go forth and make a difference – be the change you wish to see in the world. Congratulations, graduates, and may your future be filled with joy, success, and endless possibilities.

Happy Graduation Class of 2023

Thank. You.