17/12/2025
VALEDICTORY SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE OVERALL BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, IKENNA CHINAGOROM EZENWA, DURING THE 21ST CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ESUT) ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND, 2025.
Executive Governor of Enugu State & Visitor of the university, Bar Peter Mbah, and other distinguished government officials; The Chancellor, The Chairman and the esteemed members of the Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor, members of the university Senate, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, ESUT Alumni Association, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, parents, guardians, friends of the university, and my fellow graduates of class of 2024.
Good morning.
Standing here is the honour of a lifetime. When I was first told I would be giving this speech, my mind raced with a single, overwhelming question: How does one capture the essence of this journey in mere words? Let me begin by expressing my profound gratitude to the Almighty God, who has led me through these unforgettable years. As Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "By the grace of God I am what I am". My life has been a testament to God's grace, love, and faithfulness.
In 2017, I faced one of the darkest moments of my life. I lost my father five years after losing my mother and three siblings. Life became unbearable, and I struggled to cope with the trauma. But despite these obstacles, I refused to let those dark days define me. I picked myself up, encouraged myself in the Lord, and continued the journey. Was this easy? No. But special thanks to God, who through my aunt, Mrs Charity Ezeano, my foster parents: Ven. And Mrs Chinwe Chukwuemeka, and a few of my teachers at Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Obinagu, gave me a home and helped me complete my secondary education.
When I finished secondary school in 2020, I faced a new challenge: how to acquire a university degree. While my mates were writing JAMB and preparing for their future, I had to sit back, knowing that I did not have anyone to send me to school. My school teachers had tried their best to raise some money, but it was not enough. I did not know who to run to at this point. My aunt was a retired teacher, so her pension was not enough to cater for my education at that level.
It was at this point that God showed up in a mighty way. Prior to this time, I was serving in the band, the choir, and helping out in my home church, Holy Trinity Church, Obinagu, Udi. Little did I know that the Vineyard workers were watching. When they noticed I had not purchased a JAMB form, they took it upon themselves to sponsor my university education. Their kindness and generosity changed my life. It was through this scholarship that I was able to come to Enugu State of Science and Technology. Thank you so much, Daddy and Mummy Chukwuemeka, Mummy Gloria Agu, Mummy Nkem Igwagu, and Ven Ernest Aneke for picking me up when there was no hope. I am deeply grateful.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloyious-Michaels Okolie, for his visionary leadership, which has propelled our institution to greater heights; to Deans of our faculties especially the Dean of my faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Nicholas Attamah, thank you for being a father to us; to our various Heads of Departments and lecturers, most especially my own department: Department of English and Literary Studies, thank you for your tireless efforts in shaping us into the person we are today. Your guidance, patience, and support have been invaluable. Thank you so much for the countless times I received free textbooks, novels, and financial support — all to make sure that I stayed in school. I am deeply grateful. My story will not be complete without this family. Indeed, my department became my family.
There have been numerous individuals, from our departments, faculties, families, and friends, who have also played important roles in our lives, and though time will not allow me to mention them all, we are deeply grateful. As Chinua Achebe once said, "Those whose palm kernels have been cracked by a benevolent spirit should not fail to be grateful." We are grateful to you all.
To my fellow graduates, the AMAZING CLASS OF 2023/2024, Congratulations! Today marks a significant milestone in our journey. We have made it! We have worked hard, persevered, and overcome obstacles to reach this moment. But, let us be reminded: this is not the end; the journey has just begun. We still have a world that lies ahead of us. Let my story be an inspiration to you all. If an orphan can stand before you today to give this speech, then, nothing is impossible. You too, can achieve your goals. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. So, just be humble, have a clear goal, stay focused, trust in God in all your ways, and be open to learning.
Once again, congratulations to the class of 2023/2024, and see you at the top.
