Akintola Akinsanya his a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University he studied political Science when in was in School,his advice for the youth
““As I see it, one
of the biggestproblems and still is, is that while
schools are giving out degrees as
quickly as they can print them, they
aren’t doing a particularly good job of
actually preparing young workers/
entrepreneurs for the real world – the
one we call ‘civilized world.” Akintola
Akinsanya.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to write this impromptu
commencement speech to over 8000
(or more) Graduating students of
Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am
proud, honoured, privileged, humbled
and delighted.
To begin with, remember that it is not
enough just to graduate from this great
institution, it is not enough to receive a
degree, a diploma and a superb
education – the most difficult part still
lies ahead. The late educationist, Tai
Solarin once said that “may your road
be rough and it’s not a curse!” – yes, the road ahead is definitely rough and you will have to start rolling your sleeves and get your mind active. The old popular parlance “shine your eyes” is now partially obsolete because the new tools to see in 21st century is your
mind. So rather than shining your eyes,
I say “shine your minds”.
As fascinating as all that is, I am sure
you graduates are all sitting on the edge of your seats or better still watching from distance,, waiting for words of wisdom so to speak he want to share. I am very sure that this words of wisdom will guide each and every one of youhappily and successfully through life – though it’s not a strait-jacket sure fire nor get-out-of-jail words that will just land you in Chevron or Shell. No.
They’re like tools that must be
processed. I have it sealed in an
envelope in my breast pocket. The
question is: are you ready to ignite?
Now opened to be read to you. Are you
ready? Let's go.
Hence we come to the reason we are
gathered here today. We are gathered
here today for me to tell you why we
are gathered here today. So my……
* Advice number one: When you leave
this great institution, don’t forget to
take off your black gowns. You know
why? Very few businesses are going to
hire someone applying for a job
wearing a long black gown or few
venture capitalist will want to invest in
a business whose founder is wearing a
black gown. The only possible reason
one might consider keeping their long
black gowns on after graduation I guess
is if the label says Calvin Klein or Luis
Vuiton. *smiles**
* Advice number two: Upon leaving
this great institution, do not tell any
colleague of yours that you think he/
she is a creep. Remember they have
relatives everywhere. You do not want
to enter a big multi-national company
and the MD/CEO say to you, “oh, yes,
my cousin Dupe, the creep, told me to
look out for you.” See Gobe…..! (Gobe is
a local parlance for trouble)
*Advice Number three: When you
return home or back to what we
termed “civilized world” after four
years away ( I should say six years due
to External and Internal Strike actions)
there will be a time of adjustment. You
know why? The four walls of university
is often off the beaten track, that is, it is
not really obtain in the real life.
Therefore, you might want to to look
around and notice how the styles in
clothing have changed. You might as
well want to consider the new rules of
business and social relations. The thing
is; you’ve got to make some adjustment
in order not to be left in 19th century
when we’re in 21st century.
*Advice Number four: Countless
studies have proved that students
returning home after four to six years
away tend to get agoraphobia when
having to sleep in a room alone or with
less than fourteen people in it. So
consider the best option for yourself.
But you many consider coming to sleep
in my house because I have over 50
people which is above 14 as suggested
by the studies. *winking*
*Advice Number five: Those who
intend to be rich and wealthy like
Richard Branson, Akintola Akinsanya or
Tonye Cole, Tade Esan, Christian Nonso,
Moses White, do not expect to get rich
quick. There is, of course, good money
in whatever you choose to do in life.
Debunk get-rich-quick mentality in
order for you not to get into trouble.
*Advice Number six: At times it will
seem like the storms of life will never
end, that the trials you must pass seem
to go on forever, but they will – only
after your heart and mind have been
tested. Remember that Neptune would
finally say enough is enough. Hold fast
your dreams and Don’t give up on it
and do not let anybody talk you down.
Hold your gut and stand your ground.
*Advice Number seven: Your Journey is
not over once your goal is reached,
your dream fulfilled, the truth attained.
The journey is never over until you
share what you have learned with
others. Then and only then can you
begin preparing yourself for your next
adventure. Sharing is always the final
step, when you give up what you have
learned. Giving is not something that
may interest you right now (but it’s a
plus if does now), but always
remember life is never fulfilled, your
journey never over until you take time
to give back a portion of what has been
given to you.
I congratulate all of you for dreaming
dreams preparing yourself to live those
dreams. This is at hand to move on to
the next phase. When life knocks you
down, which it will (and please don’t
bind or cast it), lay there for a second
and reflect upon what has happened.
Learn from your mistake but then get
back up. I say to you, yes you, do not
let anyone stop you from fulfilling your
dreams.
Finally, ask.com says that the average
American (possibly Nigerians too) will
meet 10,000 people in their life time.
That’s a lot of folks. But if everyone of you in this room changed the lives of just ten people – and each one of those folks changed the lives of another ten people – just ten – then in five generation – 125 years – the class of 2013/14 alone will have changed the lives of 800 million people.
800 million people, over six-times the
population of Nigeria. Go one more
generation and you can change the
entire population of the world – 8
billion people. If you think its hard to
change the lives of ten people – that is,
to change their lives forever you’re
wrong.
Generations can be saved by one
decision – your decision. Make that
decision today, yes YOU! Because What
Starts Here has the capacity and
potential to change the WORLD!
Thank you.
Greatest Nigerian Students!!!!! Greatest Oouitess!!!!
We shall succeed! God bless Nigeria!
Remember, change begins @ home
Akintola Akinsanya is a LifeCode and
(Youth/Small Business) Productivity Coach.
+2348069730924
BBM Pin: 2331AE72
Twitter: @tolaoluwaloseun
Email: akintolaspeaks003@yahoo.com
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