The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has challenged graduating students of Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA) to become solution providers, build bridges rather than walls and choose character, integrity and service over certificates and material success.
Ike gave the charge at the weekend while delivering the keynote address as Guest Speaker at the 2026 graduation ceremony of Beautiful Beginning Academy, held at Nile University, Abuja.
Addressing the graduands, the NUJ chairman said the ceremony should not be viewed as an end, but as the beginning of a new journey filled with purpose, responsibility and possibilities.
She urged them to understand that academic achievement, though important, would not by itself determine their success in life, stressing that character would ultimately define their reputation and impact.
According to her, while examinations in the classroom may have ended, life would continue to test the values and principles of the graduands.
“The examinations that truly matter are not set by teachers but by life itself. They test honesty, courage, discipline, resilience, compassion and integrity,” she said.
Ike noted that knowledge without strong moral values was insufficient, adding that certificates and academic achievements could open doors, but character would determine how long individuals remained relevant and trusted.
“The questions life asks are not answered with pencils; they are answered with character.
“Knowledge may make you intelligent, but character will make you unforgettable. Long after people forget your grades, they will remember your integrity. Long after certificates gather dust, your reputation will continue to speak for you,” she said.
She also encouraged the graduands not to be discouraged by setbacks, describing failure as an inevitable part of the journey to success.
“There will be days when life will not go according to your plans. You may fail an examination, lose an opportunity, face disappointment or experience rejection.
“When those moments come, remember this: failure is not the opposite of success; it is often the road that leads to it,” she said.
The NUJ chairman urged the students to remain curious, cultivate the habit of reading, respect others, choose their friends wisely and maintain confidence in their abilities.
She further challenged them to become agents of positive change who would use their knowledge and opportunities to improve the lives of others.
“Success is not measured by how much money you make but by how many lives become better because you lived. Success may fill your pocket, but significance fills your purpose. Service earns respect. Character earns trust. Legacy earns remembrance,” Ike said.
She paid tribute to parents for their sacrifices and support in the education of the graduands, while commending the teachers and management of Beautiful Beginning Academy for their commitment to quality education, mentorship and the development of future leaders.
The ceremony also featured a powerful demonstration of the transformative impact of inclusive education and compassion, with Adaeze’s scholarship emerging as one of the defining moments of the event.
The scholarship, which opened a new door of opportunity for a child with special needs, underscored the importance of creating an inclusive society where every child is given the opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil his or her potential.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Sir Chinasaokwu Innocent Okolie, charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the school, stressing that the world was waiting for their contributions and exploits as future leaders.
He urged them to uphold the values they had acquired in the institution and to approach the future with courage, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.
