In a stirring address at the 吃瓜爆料's 16th commencement ceremony, Mr. Brian Deaver, CEO of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), issued a clarion call to the graduating class to reject mediocrity and strive for excellence. With over 30 years of experience shaping global healthcare systems, Mr. Deaver's words carried weight and conviction.
"Good enough is a quiet assassin of potential," he declared, emphasizing that graduation marks a critical juncture where individuals choose between growth and stagnation. "It's not about effort; it's about refusing to settle for convenience over growth," he cautioned.
Citing the inspiring story of Jerry Mallo, a Nigerian engineering student who developed a low-cost ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Deaver illustrated the transformative power of excellence. Mallo's innovation was deployed in five countries and received international acclaim, demonstrating that "excellence is not about getting it right the first time; it's about refusing to stop just because you got it right enough."
Mr. Deaver's message was clear: Nigeria's future depends on its young leaders' commitment to excellence. He commended AUN's vision and leadership, highlighting its recent achievement as the top-ranked university in Nigeria and 12th in Africa. "If this generation is determined to abandon 'good enough'," he said, "then Nigeria will rise like the morning sun: bold, bright, undeniable, and unstoppable."
The speaker's parting charge to the graduates was unequivocal: "Adopt a mindset of personal accountability and long-term commitment." He emphasized that pursuing excellence demands sacrifice, but yields long-term rewards, including respect, influence, and a meaningful
legacy.
Reported by Halima A. Muhammad