Perseverance Critical To Success In Any Endeavour, Says NASENI DG

Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Prof M. S. Haruna has said that only perseverance can lead to success.

Haruna made the assertion in a lecture he delivered at the 9th convocation of African University of Science and Technology (AUST) Abuja.

A statement issued by his special assistant on social media, Peter T. Ewu, Haruna said, “When one removes the ‘T’ in Can’t only then CAN one succeed. One characteristic peculiar to human beings is hope. Hope requires intelligence and the ability to think about the future and enable mankind to raise itself beyond the trials and tribulations of the present. The formula is to Hope, Think, Believe and try all with the tenacity of purpose.

“The good news is,you have extraordinary potential for success, achievement, prosperity, and natural ability that you could use in a hundred lifetimes. The only thing is that ‘’nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared to believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance’’. (Bruce Brown).

“With greater self-confidence, you would be a different person in every part of your work life and career. you can deal more effectively with the inevitable problems and difficulties that arise in day-to-day affairs.”

You would work continuously in terms of solutions, and you could turn any solution to your best advantage. Whatever the outcome, you would not be too sorrowful or too hilarious. There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so.

“As a scientist, engineer, technologist, and a scholar; Haruna stated that Thomas Edison was said to have conducted over one thousand failed experiments before succeeding in one trial to invent the Electric Bulb.  A popular American proverb that is similar to one in my native language says: “If you hang around a Barbershop, sooner or later you are going to get your haircut”. He stressed that the moral of the proverb is that every one of you, every graduate here today has the training and the talent to succeed. Remember that nothing is impossible to a willing heart. Anonymous says impossibilities are only to be found in the dictionary of fools. Undoubtedly the best way to figure out your direction is through failure. Even when you are successful, there could be vicissitude in your life. In any case, do not remain in your comfort zone. Keep improving because doing the lowest while the highest is possible constitutes the greatest tragedy in a man’s life. It is also said that a man who is tired of learning is tired of life,” Haruna said.

While eulogising the famous quote Nelson Mandela of blessed memory that says “There is no fashion to be found playing small in settling in life than the one you are capable of living” or doing (my emphasis), Prof urged the graduates to always apply the four-point strategy, – antidote of Faith, Enthusiasm, Ambition, Ambition ENTHUSIASM, AMBITION, AND RESOURCEFULNESS in overcoming FEAR.

“Never be discouraged, never hold back, give everything you got, be honest, take risks, be open to life, be open to ideas, views, new opinions and be good ambassadors of the University. AUST degrees are not about the theories or the education but what you can do that exemplifies the skills you have learned in the classroom and the research which takes education into utilities and practices.”

During the event five NASENI staff members were awarded Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering which include Dr. Etohan Otoijamun, Engr. Dr. Kehinde Grace, Dr. Gina Ihekweme, Dr. Akpan Udom Mark, Dr. Kolawole Shola Kolade.

On his part, the National Universities Commission (NUC) leadership charged the graduates to explore bringing positive development to the nation.

The acting president of AUST – Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu pleaded with the graduates to go and make the University proud.

African University of Science and Technology is one of the Tertiary institutions that are partnering with NASENI on capacity building.

The NASENI helmsman also received an award for excellent performance and exemplary leadership.