Commencement speaker urges excellence as AUN graduates 218 students

As the American University of Nigeria (AUN) graduates 218 undergraduate and postgraduate students on Saturday, commencement speaker Brian Deaver asked the graduates to uphold excellence and do away with ‘good enough’ in all their endeavours.

Mr Deaver, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Abuja-based African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), told the students that ‘good enough’ is the enemy of excellence.

He spoke on Saturday at the 16th commencement ceremony of AUN held at the university’s campus in Yola, Adamawa State.

He explained that the concept of ‘good enough’ is about surrendering to comfort being better than greatness.

“Excellence is not just a goal, it is a habit,” he said.

“Good enough is the voice that tells you to turn in the assignment before checking it one more time. It is the whisper that says, “Why push harder when no one is watching?” It is the satisfied shrug that kills innovation, poisons relationships, and buries dreams.”

He said excellence manifests in all aspects of life — in one’s thinking, personal conduct, and professional work.

Mr Deaver called on the students to uphold excellence, noting “it is choosing to demand more of yourself, even when no one else does. It is showing up 30 minutes early, listening ten minutes longer, and staying committed long after the excitement has faded.”

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“Excellence is not perfection. Excellence is not genius. To quote your outgoing AUN Honor Society President, Israel Curtis-Dike: ‘Excellence is not just a goal; it is a habit.’,” he said.

“If this generation — your generation — is determined to abandon “good enough,” then Nigeria will not rise slowly… she will rise like the morning sun: bold, bright, undeniable, and unstoppable.”

Earlier in his welcome address, AUN President DeWayne Frazier noted that the ceremony is not just the end of one chapter, but the beginning of another in the lives of the graduates.

Mr Frazier congratulated the students and their parents for the milestones, calling it a testament to their determination and resilience.

“You have shown us what it means to dream big, to pursue your passions, and to overcome challenges with grace and fortitude,” he said.

“As we reflect on the years that have led us to this moment, let us remember the countless hours spent studying, the late nights fueled by determination, and the unwavering support from family and friends who have been by your side every step of the way.”

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Graduation

This year, the university graduated 199 undergraduate students from the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Information Technology and Computing, Law, and Engineering.

The valedictorian, Habiba Abdullahi, graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.92 on a 4.0 scale. Ms Abdullahi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural and Environmental Sciences.

The university also graduated 19 postgraduate students, comprising four doctoral students, 14 master’s degree students, and one postgraduate diploma recipient.