‘It depends on whose hands it is’ (1)

Today’s first reading should make a lot of sense to us as Nigerians where for now, where you come from is very important in how people perceive you and what role they even think you can play in society.

It is not only the people of Anambra that want to decide which prisoners to receive, there are those today who wish to decide who can serve as a Vice Chancellor in their University, those who can decide who will be a Parish Priest, a Bishop in their diocese, their Principal, the Bursar or their Senior Prefect or whatever you call them here in your school.

Like good old Amaziah, the prophet in today’s readings, the reasons are often personal, very little to do with the common good. Amaziah was defending his territory and power base from what he saw as intrusion.

Often, in terms of those who lead us, we might say, we prefer someone from our faith, someone from our tribe, or a classmate, or even my best friend. We believe that outsiders will threaten our interests or even destroy them. However, this is often an excuse to cover our own inadequacy and insecurity.

When I was a Parish priest in Kaduna, often, after the release of the results of the WAEC examinations, I would ask the mother of a Mass server or one of the young people I knew who had sat for the examination; “how did John do?” They would often say, “Father, don’t mind those foolish WAEC people. They failed my pickin.” She would often add, “but we are waiting to for NECO.” (NECO was often considered a slightly easier examination to pass). If on the other hand, the child does well, mothers would often wave joyfully, “Father, my pickin cleared WAEC! My pickin pass WAEC well well.” When pickin fails, it is foolish WAEC that failed them, but when they pass, honour goes to them. We are often looking for excuses for our failures.

For example, a student who is ill prepared for his or her examination, or for an interview would really be happy if the supervisor turned out to be a family friend. But if you were prepared for your examination, it would not matter to you who the examiner or invigilator is. If you are honest, it does not matter who is at the head.

When I was a Parish priest in Kaduna, often, after the release of the results of the WAEC examinations, I would ask the mother of a Mass server or one of the young people I knew who had sat for the examination; “how did John do?” They would often say, “Father, don’t mind those foolish WAEC people. They failed my pickin.” She would often add, “but we are waiting to for NECO.” (NECO was often considered a slightly easier examination to pass).

If on the other hand, the child does well, mothers would often wave joyfully, “Father, my pickin cleared WAEC! My pickin pass WAEC well well.” When pickin fails, it is foolish WAEC that failed them, but when they pass, honour goes to them. We are often looking for excuses for our failures.

Today, we are celebrating the joy of those of you who have been lucky to successfully finish the first major step of your education. Some of you or almost all of you will go to University now. Some will go beyond the University to other things in life.

Whether WAEC will “pass or fail you,” we will have to wait to hear from your mothers later on in the year. But, you have the assurances of my good wishes for the future. However, as you bid one another good bye in this early phase, it is clear that a good number of you will head in different directions, some to the United States of America (the country of first choice for Loyola alumni, I imagine), the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

Others will go to Ghana, Malaysia or remain in Nigeria. I imagine it all depends on the depth of the pockets and the ambitions of your parents.

However, there is need to pause and think. I am not sure how many of you will see one another again. If you organise a good Alumni programme, then it is likely that by the grace of God, many, the Class of 2015 will meet in a re-union. While we gaze into the future, let me tell you a little story about a Rabbi who was a teacher.

This Rabbi was a good teacher but each time he entered the class, he would bow to his students before starting the lessons. One day, one of his students said to him, “Rabbi, you are our teacher and you know almost everything. We only stand up to greet you when you enter the class.

But why do you bow before you start teaching?” The Rabbi said, “Well, I did not know you noticed this. However, despite being your teacher, I bow before you because I know that one of you may be my Governor, my Senator or my President tomorrow. So, I want you to know that I recognized this well before you got to the position.” Like the Rabbi therefore, I also take a bow, to the future Mr. or Madam President, Governor, First Lady, Senator, Speaker of Nigeria.

But, as in real life, not all of us will end up as Presidents, Governors or Senators. I will use an example. The story of two friends, which went viral, recently is a good illustration. It is the story of one Arthur Booth and Ms Mindy Glazer.  I imagine some of you or your parents might have followed the story.

Mr. Booth was a brilliant student who excelled in Mathematics and Science. He dreamt of becoming a Neuro-surgeon and he obviously had the brains to achieve that. His best friend, Mindy dreamt of becoming a Veterinarian Doctor. However, like you, upon graduation, they parted ways and never met again.

While we gaze into the future, let me tell you a little story about a Rabbi who was a teacher. This Rabbi was a good teacher but each time he entered the class, he would bow to his students before starting the lessons. One day, one of his students said to him, “Rabbi, you are our teacher and you know almost everything. We only stand up to greet you when you enter the class. But why do you bow before you start teaching?” The Rabbi said, “Well, I did not know you noticed this. However, despite being your teacher, I bow before you because I know that one of you may be my Governor, my Senator or my President tomorrow. So, I want you to know that I recognized this well before you got to the position.” Like the Rabbi therefore, I also take a bow, to the future Mr. or Madam President, Governor, First Lady, Senator, Speaker of Nigeria. 

As she grew up, Ms Glazer changed her mind and decided she would be a top class lawyer and not a surgeon. She rose in her career and became a Judge in Dade County in Miami. On July 3, a 49 year-old gentleman was brought to her court on charges of burglary.

The defendant had been a serial criminal of sorts, addicted to cocaine and gambling. He was found guilty and after the sentencing Judge Glazer who obviously had recognized the criminal standing before her as her classmate asked if he went to Nautilus High School, the school they attended. If you Google the story, you would see the reaction of Mr. Booth who threw up his arms, shouting, “Oh my God, Oh my God”. Judge Glazer went on to tell the court how Mr. Booth had been the best kid in the class, how they had both played ball together and so on, and now this is where it had all ended for him.

As you graduate today, know that you have reached a major junction in your life. It is up to you now to decide which way you turn, left, right, or if you would go forward. Whichever direction you turn will determine your future. Your parents have offered you the starting point in life.

By coming to Loyola, you have come to one of the top schools in Nigeria and perhaps the best. It is the Harvard of Secondary education in Nigeria. For whereas, others may offer glass and mirrors of external attraction, Loyola offers you a moral backbone which, if you nurture, will enable you stand erect along with the best in the rest in the world.

You are now walking right into the world, away from the security of parents and schoolmates. You will have more freedom now. You will meet more challenges and more complex people and you will face complex choices. Here, I wish to turn to the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama for inspiration.

On May 25th, 2015, she delivered a Commencement speech at Oberlin College, in Oberlin Ohio. Some of the sentiments in her very powerful speech should speak to you about the future.

She said to the graduands like you, “Here at Oberlin, Ohio, most of the time you’re probably surrounded by folks who share your beliefs. But out in the real world, there are plenty of people who think very differently than you do, and they hold their opinions just as passionately.

So if you want to change their minds, if you want to work with them to move this country forward, you can’t just shut them out. You have to persuade them, and you have to compromise with them.”

TO BE CONTINUED

• Father Kukah is the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto