. Merging Knowledge with Values for Success
In addition to pursuing “material excellence,” which could be the goal of living well on earth, new Nigerians can discover – or at least find spiritual guidance – that living well can not only be more enjoyable but also more just and wholesome by aligning with spiritual values.
One of the best (as well as most durable) livelihoods that young Nigerians can engage in is putting their energies into lives that track spiritual values. With the wealth of icons of a secularly transcendent life’s goals and values, be inspired by the example of Dr. Adeleke, a family man devoted to God. In 2011, he established the university under the philanthropic umbrella of his non-governmental organization, Springtime Development Foundation, to provide quality higher education to underprivileged students.
The mission is "to provide an appropriate physical and social basic structure upon which the less privileged in any target people/group can be encouraged to build sustainable, decent, quality life."As an institution of higher learning with a Seventh-day Adventist education philosophy, Adeleke University is one of over 100 institutions worldwide that follow this philosophy.
Its motto, “Education, Excellence and Character,” underscores the holistic development of the human being: the mental, physical, spiritual, and social components.
Dr. Adeleke has demonstrated a strong manifestation of his faith and virtue in his acts of philanthropy. His vision for establishing Adeleke University was to offer students a platform to attain their full potential while teaching them to be self-reliant and contribute positively toward the development of their respective communities.
Graduates, today we celebrate your transition into this new phase of life. Your education has equipped you with the knowledge and skills for academic and professional success. However, true success depends not solely on your accomplishments and acquisitions but also on your values. The education you have received prepares you to excel in your chosen professions, but what really matters are the values you embody in your work and personal lives.As you embark on your careers, it is crucial to find meaningful ways to integrate and apply values – such as integrity, perseverance, creativity, and collaboration – into your lives.IntegrityI open this segment by referencing three special quotes from three different traditions (western, African, and Hebrew) that emphasize the importance of integrity:
Western Philosophy: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”– C. S. Lewis.
African Proverb: “A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning.” – Kenyan Proverb.
Biblical Quote: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Proverbs 11:3.
Honesty and scholarly integrity have been values ingrained in your studies and research; these values will accompany you throughout your professional life.
Every career path you pursue will greatly profit from your commitment to integrity, as it encourages you to act in a way that is trustworthy, respectful, and, most importantly, ethically sound.
Integrity leads you to do things that make you proud. It lets you sleep well at night because you are confident that you have worked towards your goals and succeeded in a way that is fair and just. In a world where shortcuts and compromises abound, maintaining your moral compass safeguards your reputation.
Consider how your actions affect others, and let your decisions be guided by the standards that truly matter to you. This approach will make you better at your job, sharpening your focus and renewing your energy to undertake your work with rigour and honesty.By steadfastly upholding your integrity, you will distinguish yourself from those who merely talk and command the respect and admiration of those you work with.
Perseverance:Now, let us reflect on perseverance with three insightful quotes. Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that count.” – Winston Churchill Proverb
“However long the night, the dawn will break.” – African Proverb
Biblical Quote: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
In your educational journey, you have learned that setbacks are natural and that things don’t always go according to plan to achieve success. This lesson will help you again in your professional life, where you will have to be prepared for challenges.
Not all career paths are straightforward; you will face moments of struggle and disappointment, but you can endure setbacks and hard times that will make the difference.
Embrace difficulties and struggles as opportunities for learning and growth. The resilience and determination you have demonstrated in your academic pursuits are the same that will serve you well. Each setback is a setup for a comeback.
Each experience – good or challenging – fuels your resolve and advances your powers of perseverance. Hardiness as a deep determination can be defined as a constellation of abilities that mobilizes individuals to endure, with meaning, through defeat.
Creativity:Let us examine creativity through these inspirational quotes:Quote: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein Proverb
“The axe forgets; the tree remembers.” – African Proverb
Biblical Quote: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Your academic journey has equipped you with the ability to think creatively, and creativity is a skill essential for innovation and making things happen. Creative, critical thinking leads to innovation. Don’t lose that ability as you venture into the working world. Be willing to take risks with your ideas and question conventional wisdom. Always consider new approaches to solving problems.
Creative thinking is not confined to the arts. No matter what career you choose, your creativity will be an asset to you. Your ideas could lead to developments in new technologies, business strategies, or in finding solutions for social problems.
Whatever your goals, your creativity will be an important part of achieving them. Nurture creativity in your workplace by fostering an environment that encourages bold thinking and free intellectual exchange.
Collaboration:
Quote: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
“There is no limit to how far we can achieve so far we don’t care who gets the credit.” Ronald Reagan Proverb
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
Biblical Quote: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Today, success often hinges on collaboration and teamwork. We need to learn to work with others, share strategies and responsibilities, and work towards a common cause. Each workplace is enriched with a wealth of diverse experiences and skill sets that, when pooled together, can help you achieve objectives that you otherwise might not have been able to achieve by yourself.
In your academic life, you have probably completed group projects, participated in discussions, and worked with your peers. Take these experiences with you into your professional life and understand that collaboration can help you achieve great outcomes. Encourage a spirit of teamwork and respect, and listen as much as you talk. As you embark on the next phase of your life, take with you your accumulated learning, which is a fine starting point. You can, however, make it meaningful only if you integrate these values towards being individuals who exemplify truth, courage, creativity, collaboration, and kindness.
By doing so, you can lead a meaningful and fulfilling life, not just professionally but also in all your other pursuits. This was the vision of the founder of this institution, and it should be a dream fulfilled in your own life.
We salute you, send you our blessings, and wish you every success in the future.
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●This Commencement lecture was delivered by Prof Toyin Falola at the 2024 Adeleke University CONVOCATION
