Speeches

Consul General Brian L. Browne
Remarks
06 Achievers Forum & College Fair

Consul General's Residence
Lagos, Nigeria
October 6, 2005

Good Morning. It's very pleasing to see such a large gathering for such a productive purpose. It shows the positive side of Lagos and youth both of which do not get as much publicity as I would like to see. I want to personally thank you for visiting this residence and for putting it to such good use. Additionally, on behalf of the entire U.S. Mission to Nigeria, the American academic institutions present today, and the wonderful staff from our Education Advising Center, I welcome you to our 7th Annual College Fair and Career Outreach program.

We're pleased that you have shown interest in educational opportunities in the United States. We hope the program today will answer many of the questions you may have about opportunities in the United States.

You see, I am happy to see your eager and inquisitive faces. It reminds me of a young man I know quite well. When this man was in school, he did not have the benefit of caring academic advisors that you have. One of his advisors even told him he would not make it to university. He had a choice. Believe the advisor or believe his own aspirations. He chose to believe in himself. Because he did, he is now standing before you today. Thus, I tell you that I know some of you here are unsure of yourselves, you wonder if even coming here was worth it, you wonder if you will attend university at all, let alone the one of your choice. I ask you to take hold and have courage. You must aspire to achieve that education and you must press hard to realize that aspiration.

For an education is important. It is a pathway to a better life for yourself and your family. It makes you a better more informed person and you, in turn, can use that education to make your neighborhood, your city, your state, your nation, and the world around you that much better.

In this rapidly changing, and increasingly complex world, the importance of a quality education cannot be underestimated. As citizens of this dynamic world, we must seek to do all we can to make quality education available to as many people as possible, regardless of socio-economic status, religion, race, gender or ethnicity. A quality education not only increases a person's knowledge, it tends to increase a person's self worth. More importantly, it expands your understanding of the world around you, and teaches you how to think so that you can solve the problems of today by creating the solutions of tomorrow.

In the United States, we've been fortunate to witness the growth and expansion of college and university campuses around the country over the last 20 years. I'm proud to say that institutions are rising to this challenge by recruiting students from the international talent pool to diversify and enrich student enrollment. This talent pool includes you.

The doors of United States educational institutions are open to all qualified students from around the world. The United States is proud of an educational system that attracts students and scholars across the globe.

We're pleased to have representatives from over 42 American institutions here today. This group includes some well-known institutions, with reputations of excellence. In preparing for this event, we've also ensured that participating institutions cover different regions of the U.S., from north to south, and east to west.

Today's events are organized by the Consulate's Education Advising Center. The EAC was formed with the sole purpose of providing the people of Nigeria with up-to-date information on higher education in the U.S. Since its inception, the EAC has expanded to include a membership program for qualified students preparing to travel and study in the U.S. The EAC center also provides test preparation services for some of the standard exams required for admission to U.S. institutions.

We welcome all of you to visit the EAC to learn first-hand about the services, facilities and programs it offers.

In closing, I have always believed that education is a great enabler, a main ingredient in fulfilling dreams, and even a path toward shaping your understanding of yourself and the world. If you are motivated to learn, inspired to break new barriers, and committed to investing the time and effort to gain an education, you will be able to contribute much to society while also benefiting yourself. These are very profound and positive goals. As I look out at all of you gathered here today, I'm both encouraged and convinced that these are goals you shall all follow. We know that when preparation meets opportunity it produces success.

Thank you for coming - enjoy this event, and by all means, continue your education and never, never cease learning.

 

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