Nigeria’s Dr. Oyindamola Adeniyi Inspires York University’s Graduating Class of 2024

 

The atmosphere was filled with pride and anticipation as 23-year-old Dr. Oyindamola Adeniyi addressed the graduating class of 2024 at York University. As a distinguished alumna of Hull York Medical School, Dr. Adeniyi’s speech was a powerful testament to resilience, intentionality, and the importance of education.

“Over the past five years at Hull York Medical School, we have been taught that intentionality and resilience are essential to becoming a good doctor,” began Dr Adeniyi, who was selected as Student Orator of the Year in a competitive process. She stressed the importance of these qualities not only in the medical field, but in life in general.

She shared her journey, recounting how her family moved to the UK two decades ago. Her parents’ unwavering belief in the power of education has shaped her path, with her family motto echoing in her speech: “Focus on your education and forge your own path – it’s yours to keep.”

Reflecting on her time in college, Dr. Adeniyi emphasized the importance of making intentional decisions despite the predictability of life’s path. “Today, I urge you to stick to this map but avoid slipping into routine,” she advised her fellow graduates. She acknowledged the challenges faced over the past five years, including political uncertainty and a global pandemic, and urged her peers to navigate their lives with purpose and resilience.

“As we embark on our respective careers, making conscious decisions to live altruistically and intentionally, we ensure that we have a meaningful impact on the world around us,” she said, urging graduates to use their voices to make a difference. Dr. Adeniyi encouraged the Class of 2024 to choose a cause, serve with passion, and strive for excellence in whatever field they pursue.

Drawing inspiration from a Nigerian Igbo adage, “When a child washes his hands, he dines with his elders,” he emphasized the power of preparation and intention in achieving great things. He encouraged the graduates to see life as a series of opportunities to live life to the fullest and make the mundane moments count.

Reflecting on personal challenges, including grief, loss, and mental health issues, Dr. Adeniyi acknowledged the resilience her colleagues have demonstrated throughout their college journeys. “While you can’t control these seasons, you can choose resilience and intentionality when navigating the in-between,” she said.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Adeniyi cited Matthew 6:34, reminding the graduates not to be anxious about the future, but to live with good character, intentionality, and resilience. She expressed gratitude to the Lord, her family, friends, and faculty members for their support, leaving the Class of 2024 with a message of hope and encouragement.

“Class of 2024, I believe that each and every one of you will go out there and do great things. I wish you all the best of luck,” Dr. Adeniyi concluded, leaving the audience inspired, in what was followed by thunderous applause.

The ceremony was attended by over a thousand guests and graduates, including his parents, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi of Baze University, his mother, Cleopatra Adeniyi and his brothers, Doyinsola and Oyinkansola.

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