Makassar, Unhas – An academic degree marks the end of one’s studies, but not the end of learning. As graduates enter the professional world, their success will depend on their ability to turn dreams into vision, build networks, and maintain character and integrity in every step they take.
That message was the common thread in the remarks of two international scholars, Prof. Babatunde Olamide Bamgbose and Prof. Azeez Butali, at the Hasanuddin University graduation ceremony.
Before the graduates, Prof. Babatunde Olamide Bamgbose, Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria, encouraged Unhas graduates to dare to dream big. In Prof. Bamgbose’s view, every innovation, act of leadership, and achievement begins with the courage to imagine the future one wants to bring about.
But dreams will not bring change if they remain wishful thinking. Prof. Bamgbose stressed that dreams must be turned into a clear vision, with measurable goals and consistent steps. That vision must then be communicated effectively so that it can move others, build trust, and give rise to collaboration.
“Learn to dream. Dream big. Then turn your dream into a vision. Once you have a vision, communicate it clearly so that others understand the goal you want to achieve,” Prof. Bamgbose said.
According to Prof. Bamgbose, communication is one of the foundations of leadership. Many opportunities arise not merely from academic intelligence but from the ability to build relationships grounded in trust, character, and shared purpose.
That experience, Prof. Bamgbose said, also led to collaboration with Hasanuddin University. An academic relationship that began with communication with members of the Faculty of Dentistry grew into a broader collaboration with the university leadership.
Prof. Bamgbose was impressed by the direction of Hasanuddin University’s development, seeing it as having a clear vision for continuing to strengthen its global competitiveness. The university’s leadership, Prof. Bamgbose said, has succeeded in building a culture of collaboration that brings together academics from many countries around a shared goal.
“I see that Unhas has a clear direction. The people here understand what they want to achieve and keep working together to make it happen. A vision like this is what builds trust in a collaboration,” Prof. Bamgbose said.
Prof. Bamgbose closed the message by reminding the graduates to keep walking with their vision, safeguard their character, and honor the people who have been part of their journey.
Meanwhile, Prof. Azeez Butali, Professor of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine at The University of Iowa, United States, encouraged the graduates to see graduation as the result of a long journey that no one travels alone.
In Prof. Butali’s view, every success is the accumulation of learning, skill development, experience in facing challenges, and the courage to rise after failure. All of these experiences shape the competence and character of a professional.
Prof. Butali stressed that behind every graduate there are always family, lecturers, mentors, friends, and an academic environment that serve as a support system. Their presence is an important factor that opens opportunities, provides recommendations, offers guidance, and encourages a person to keep growing.
“Never consider success an individual achievement. There will always be people who support you, guide you, and open doors of opportunity along your journey,” Prof. Butali said.
Prof. Butali urged the graduates not to forget to be grateful to their families and the entire academic community who have been part of their education. For Prof. Butali, appreciating every form of support is the foundation for building humble leadership with integrity.
The presence of the two international scholars offered the perspective that academic competence is one asset in building the future. In an increasingly connected era, the ability to develop a vision, communicate effectively, build global networks, and maintain character are competencies just as important for university graduates.
Through their messages, the Hasanuddin University graduation ceremony was not merely a celebration of completing one’s studies but also a moment to affirm that the real journey is only beginning. Big dreams, a clear vision, strong collaboration, and integrity in one’s work will be the main provisions for Unhas graduates as they contribute to society, the nation, and the world. (*/dhs)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.