Valedictory Speech by Allen O. Josh @ the induction ceremony of the Electissimus 90 (Pharmacy,UI 2017) 14th March, 2017

I’m so excited to be here right now! I mean, it’s so exciting to be among the set of great minds witnessing the end of a rigorous journey that started some five years ago (in 2012)…a journey than began as a follow-up to our common childhood dream for academic excellence and distinctiveness, being brought up in a societal setting that places higher value on formal education than most other things. As the days, weeks, and months came and the semesters and sessions went by, some of us had this dream reinforced; while many others had it hijacked by myriads of happenings and encounters—ranging from sheer devotion to frivolities, on the part of some, to genuine discovery of purpose and meaning in life on the part some other ones among us; purpose and meaning which were mostly incompatible with the demands of the formal education system. Some other ones lost their zeal and motivation in the sea of fears, anxieties, uncertainties, tensions and stress. All these were gradually reflected in the apparently differing levels of seriousness among us with respect to punctuality and regularity in classes, and the results on the scoreboard. But even in the midst of these darkest clouds of uncertainties, in spite of the raging storms of fears and anxieties at different points, and the rising tides of the ever-present tension and stress that marked our transit within the Pharmacy school, a potent number of us “fought” valiantly and are here this day happy and grateful to God, honoured and, at the same time, humbled to be inducted into the Pharmacy profession together as the Electissimus 90. It’s been a long time coming. The journey hasn’t been a very smooth one. We came into the faculty of science, faced the overhyped CHE 157 and others, and overcame them. Then into the Pharmacy school, facing myriads practical sessions, lab note writing for hours, several times weekly, almost endless tests and heavy exams, and the scary test results of 200 level (I remember PCT 201)…all in pursuit of this common childhood dream for academic excellence and distinctiveness. One of us (Miss Adisa Yetunde), whom we believe is currently resting in peace, was lost to the grip of death some years ago. What a hardworking gentle lady she was! We really miss her. Some other ones with whom we started together are not here graduating with us this day for one reason or the other, but they will all be forever part of our beautiful memories—we still love you so dearly, we greatly miss you, and we will surely meet up there someday.

 

So Electissimus 90 pierced through these various challenges like an eagle riding upon the storms, and produced diverse kinds of outstanding personalities with unique strengths in diverse areas of life endeavours. (what I mean is this) We did not just excel in academics. Electissimus 90 isn’t just indisputably the largest set of graduates this faculty has ever known. This set has also arguably comprised the largest proportion of brilliant minds this faculty has ever witnessed in recent history! But that’s still not all about us. Beyond academics, in more ways than we can count—in politics (who can ever forget Ajiga Elijah, and the Dynamism Team of 2016 in the history of PAN,UI politics?); sports (I mean among PANSites, Nnam Charles made sports an adventure worthy of our time and efforts); spirituality (I doubt if there could have been any set with a higher number of fellowship leaders—presidents and executives—as there were among the Electissimus 90) and other social and creative involvements, including entrepreneurship (and you may want to check out House of MaryJane, also by one of us, Uche Okoli)—we have consistently proven who we are and dissolved all doubts surrounding this fact: that Electissimus 90 is simply exceptional! Little wonder we had so much difficulty resolving on a name that is rich enough to best describe the varieties of virtues evident in each of us—remember “the stallion,” a name that sparked a significant sense of religious sentiment (God bless Mumsy Ogo), and some others. We went back and forth (arguing and deliberating), yet we could find no perfect that really describe us. Nevertheless, “Electissimus” (the latin word for “elite”) appears to do a good job. And I am glad to be part of the Electissimus 90! So much to be said about this amazing set of graduates (you can see here) beyond what can be communicated within minutes or even hours, and I won’t attempt to say it all—it’s sure a mission impossible. So before I come back to our stories again, I’ve got some messages to every category of personalities here present today.

First of all, to those who have been fortunate enough to have their strengths constantly affirmed by the formal education system—the academic smarts—I say kudos to you. You really deserve to be appreciated today, for far beyond the talent, the outstanding outcomes/results you got are a pure reflection of so much relatively consistent devotions to hard-work, diligence, and discipline, mostly behind the scene at odd hours of countless nights. And today, perhaps more than many others, you are making your parents proud. Once again, congratulations! But I also say to you, success in one aspect of life does not guarantee success in other departments of life. Wholesome success and fulfilment result from sound decisions made day-in-day-out based on well-thought-out and balanced priorities. I’m sure some were pretty smart enough to strike some balance. But for those who weren’t that smart, let the character of discipline, diligence and hard-work developed so far (in your pursuit of academic distinction) spur you to want to grow in other aspects too. Moreover, the ingredients and skills required for success in real life are mostly different from the ones the system largely emphasizes. So refuse to be complacent! The excellent certifications and accolades may open some doors, but reach out to put into yourself stuffs that will keep you in there—after the door’s been opened!

Secondly, to the relatively not-so-smart (in academic sense, of course), I say, there could only have been one Best Graduating Student (BGS) or perhaps, on few occasions, two. But trust me, there are far so many more unique potentials in each and every one of us that the results on the scoreboard could not account for. The rigid formal education system is too limited to harness and assess all the unique strengths in all of us. But refuse to lose heart if yours was never appreciated…don’t be discouraged if your strength was never affirmed by the system. Consistency is the key! Remain consistent in mastering what you are good at. Sooner or later, life will reward you for it. And in the end, “no one will care about what you are not good at when they know what you are best at.” Besides, life out there demands things that are mostly different from what the G.P says about you.

Furthermore, as we go out there, know this for sure, “no one ever changed the world by doing what the world tells them to do.” Following rules, regulations and conventions has its place, but always find out the reasons behind them. Agree with the system and conventions only to the degree that they guarantee the outcomes we so strongly seek…only to the extent to which they sincerely promote our profession, and be prepared to influence/disregard it, when necessary, for the significant improvement of our dear profession and the society at large. Enslaving yourself to every detail and dictate of any rigid mindless system may keep you safe from the rod of punishment, but it will also keep you from the realm of innovation and creativity, the very foundations upon which true greatness and success lie. Truly great accomplishments result from the free human mind that has learnt to put restrictions and systems in their proper place and use, and reach out to explore the stunning possibilities beyond conventional boundaries. So I say, choose to be a transformer, and not always a conformer!

And to the upcoming ones, I say to you, there are many opportunities especially on campus that will beacon at you, calling forth your participation in them. But first define what you want out of life, identify the principles that guide the results you seek and give yourself to applying them. Explore only the opportunities that fit into your vision. There are many good ones, but not all are for you. And do not forget to weigh the pros and cons of your decisions, because no matter the path or course of life you choose, there are always consequences. Every one of my colleagues here has made one decision or the other that did affect them, and will surely affect their lives at a later time—some for good, some for bad! My decision to respond to the call of purpose and the accompanying demands cost me some marks—and that sure did not feel so good!—but it also led to the birth, on this campus, of LeadIgnite Network International (LINI), a leadership-building platform with a mission to raise for this nation godly men and women with godly perspective to leadership in family settings, corporate settings and national governance. In spite of this decision, or perhaps partly because of it, I stand here this day humbly representing the Electissimus 90 as the valedictorian. So I say to you, figure out the result you seek, go for it, and learn to manage the consequences. In your pursuit of academic excellence, ensure to not sacrifice other things of equal or higher values in life—things like financial literacy, talent development, leadership building and growth in your spiritual life. Like I earlier said, success in academics will not make up for failures in these other important departments of life. The consequences of neglecting them will haunt you like your shadow. So, learn to strike a balance!

To the faculty management and departments, we are thankful for the provisions and privileges we enjoyed. We are really glad. Thank you so much. However, we believe that certain conventional policies, decision-making processes, course contents and ways of doing things can be modified, adjusted or pushed aside to increase the students’ comfort and ease their deep pains, especially when doing so will not have any adverse effect on the level of standard upon which the prosperity of this profession rests. Rules and regulations are made for the people, not people for them. Their primary aim is to help foster better lives for us humans. But these policies cannot think, they do not have heart, and will not always be effective…there will be exceptions along the way and applying them in such situations would defeat the primary reason why the existed in the first place. That’s why they are placed in the hands of thinking humans to manage. And at any time when they are no longer smart enough to achieve this aim, modifying them or pushing them aside is not just a compromise, rather, it is the right thing to do. Paying closer attention to the students can help unveil these. If there be any (and there sure are), dealing with them promptly would serve us much good in the long run.

On behalf of the Electissimus 90, I express deep gratitude to all our lecturers: Professor J.O Moody, an epitome of humility and kindness; Professor S.O Idowu, we are motivated by your outstanding nature, and your advice would sure keep us even beyond the walls; Professor Oluwatoyin  Odeku, for her understanding and motherly words of encouragement even within those lecture times; Dr Dapo Adetunji for his tireless efforts to always make things work out; Professor A. O Adegoke, an emblem of excellence, enthusiasm and passion—even when NMR was proving difficult and it wasn’t easy to locate “Hydrogen,” how many of them were there and whom his neighbours were, yet your passion and enthusiasm kept us following, and we eventually got it!; Mr MoreniKeji Adeyemo, the student lover, a man who is always ready to give his time to teach until almost everyone has understood the concept…more ready to teach than even the students are ready to learn (thank you for how you humbly identified with us, in down times and high ones); and our other great teachers, lecturers and generous non-teaching staff whose names time would fail me to keep mentioning. Thank you for the unique individual models you all portrayed to us, from which we can draw inspirations. Thank you for being generous with your time, efforts and knowledge. We hope to pay you back some day by making you so proud wherever we go.

To our precious Dean, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, our Turn-up Mama! Thank you for your motherly approach and how you treated us like humans that we are—for your ever accessible office door, for listening to us when we needed to talk, encouraging us when we needed it the most with your kind and sweet words—even within those tensed exam conditions, we still heard you say “I wish you all the best.”

And that end of the year party that holds at your house every 26th of December, hosting the students no matter their numbers (especially those who could not go home to enjoy Christmas), it meant more to the students than the taste of the meals and the sounds of the music. It assures them of a caring mother they can run to even while far away from home—a mother right here within the faculty of Pharmacy. And I guess my mentioning it (that party) sure has a side-effect of unintended publicity. So you can expect to see higher population there the next time.

 

To Prof. Iruka Okeke, even in your short time with us, you have been wonderful. And Electissimus 90 loves you more than you are aware of.

I personally thank Professor S.O Idowu for the role he played beyond the scope of his job description as my lecturer. Your words of advice made a huge difference when I wanted to quit in 200 level. Partly because of your encouragement, my Dad and Mum are here this day proud to see their son eventually graduate as a Pharmacist. To Dr Mubo A. Sonibare, I could not have wished for a better project supervisor (who else could have made Allen the first to submit his project work? Electissimus 90 can understand). Thank you ma!

To the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN), we believe the orders and standard we enjoy here are a bright reflection of your silent labours. Thank you so much.

And we celebrate all the courageous Dads and Mums (and guidance) here present today, who worked long and hard to ensure that we enjoyed enough comfort to foster our ease of learning throughout school, for your unconditional love and prayers, all to see your children grow up to enjoy decent lives. Even in the midst of little, as it was the case with many of you, you still went beyond the limit and fetched out something—not minding sacrificing your own comfort—just to keep us going. Thank you so much. You all deserve many awards and accolades today—but what you deserve are more than the school can afford right now. However, we promise to make you prouder than this everywhere we go.

To the Almighty God of all grace, Glory to God forever more!

And now (before I round off), permit me to quickly run through some part of the exciting story of the one and only Electissimus 90 in the whole wide world, the unprecedented 90! The latest set of Pharmacists in the whole of the universe! I believe there are better days ahead for us, guys! Oh my…glorious things are spoken of thee, Oh Electissimus 90! (You know what?) In years to come I will be addressing this nation in a manner like this. Yes, I promise! And one of the things I’d love to mention is how proud I was, and still am, to be part of the Electissimus 90! The wonderful moments we spent together in many grand styles…priceless, our time together shaped all of us, and the amazing persons we all were in our unique rights—how can I ever forget the ever highly-spirited PharmacoScholars (PcS) and associates…League of the Happy guys! I must pause here to say this, that the best gift I ever received of God throughout my stay in pharmacy school, of course after My Pretty Dammy (the love of my life), is the friendship of the PharmacoScholars (PcS). These guys shaped me, especially Suji Andrew Adetuwo. To our amazing class rep all the way from 100 level, Ismail Omolayo, thank you for the selfless service. Jacob Ojiebun, the class rep we never had, the most selfless guy I have met. Electissimus 90 appreciate you. And to the man that made the final year so pleasant, the driver behind most of our final year projects (from the beautiful Electissimus jerseys to the fantastic picnic and yearbook), a guy whose name became the ringing tune of every good thing in class and even the bad, Ogunfolu Busayo! I mean, who could ever forget the most punctual, regular and diligent Indy guys. What an amazing constellation of diverse personalities we truly were! And one exciting thing is this, that in spite of it all, today, Yanju is sitting side-by-side with Alex, Jenifer is sitting just right close to Ibukunoluwa, all happily graduating, Glory to God. And the customized Finalist Days on our whatsapps page (I guess the crowd is lost right now, because I’m currently speaking the Language of the Electissimus 90, only the initiated can understand)—those sweet and nice comments about one another, I believe, will forever ring in the hearts of all of us. As for me, those thoughtful and nice comments of yours have been carefully organized and kept (as a .pdf file), and, if I ever need to apply for a job or employment anywhere, those comments will always be part of my CV. Because he whom the Electissimus 90 endorses is endorsed indeed! Moreover, I’m going to give them to my kids to read too. (I guess I’m giving you some tip right now). Thank you for your trust, honour and the opportunity given me, today, to speak your mind, speak for you and speak to you. I’m humbled by this privilege.  My last word to you is this. No matter what has happened, life out there is another blank sheet. What you write in it affects how you will turn out in life. And you are responsible for everything you write in there. The writing isn’t going to be done with a pen or pencil, but through our daily choices, decisions and actions…our conscious personal devotion or otherwise to a constant and never-ending improvement. I will need you someday, and you will someday need me too. So invest in yourself to always be at your best. I will do the same on my end here, I promise. So that when we meet again and put our bests together we can build a thriving nation.

I represent the Electissimus 90. I represent LeadIgnite Network International. I stand for Transformative Leadership. I am Allen Opeoluwa Joshua (A.K.A Allen O. Josh). And I will be close by! Thank you so much. God bless the Electissimus 90. God bless the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. God bless Nigeria!