Haile Selassie

“ It gives Us great pleasure to congratulate all the students, who through their earnest efforts have overcome the various obstacles in their way and have achieved success in their studies. Man desires many things, but it is the individual's duty and responsibility to desire the proper things. Anyone who makes the wrong choices will be a burden, not only to himself but to future generations. As We have mentioned over and over again, the test of what you students have obtained through your education will be what you are able to accomplish in the future. ”

“ For us Africans, the conference of the Heads of States held in May last, is an adequate proof that we are determined to be masters of Our fate; owners of Our wealth; and capable of removing the adjective dark from the name of Our continent. ”

“ It is through this university and other similar institutions of higher learning that We can best preserve the culture of Our country and interpret Our esteemed heritage to the world at large. We should understand, therefore, that this university must be a place not only to prepare men and women for their various vocations, but also to help them gain a better knowledge of their culture and a desire to disseminate it. ”

“ We need well-qualified people who are proud of being Ethiopians; people who are proud of being Africans; people who are prepared to execute the plans that have already been envisioned. These are the caliber of men who should be produced in Our university.
The person who, even while at school, realizes the needs of his country and has proper sense of values and urgency will see what is needed, and will be able to fill it. He need not be separated from his country and its culture before being prepared to handle a position of responsibility. ”

“ This University came into being as a result of the dreams of many years. It is indeed gratifying to note that a larger number are graduating this year than in previous years. This fact gives Us confidence that the many positions which have been waiting to be filled by well qualified men and women will increasingly be filled. This encourages Us and strengthens Our confidence that We shall reach the goals that we have set for Our country. Since education is one of the basic needs of any country, we have to provide opportunities for education throughout Our Empire. ”

“ Though life is short, one should live and act in such a way that his achievements will bring him and his country a good name forever. If he does not use his training for worthy ends, he will be an enemy to himself and an obstacle to others. ”

“ Our many plans for development call for skilled and well-trained personnel, men who should come from Our various institutions of higher learning, individuals who will be the pride of the country. It is they who will perform a real service for their country, for any plan which does not have the proper personnel to execute it will remain a mere plan on paper. ”

“ Simply watching other people's achievements is a characteristic of the lazy man. But it is to be hoped that Our students, properly valuing great achievements, many of which are the result of education, will not be satisfied to be mere onlookers, admiring the work of other men, but doers actively participating in the development of their country. ”

“ You must show the real worth of your education by the way in which you shoulder these responsibilities. We are confident that you will bring a blessing to your country, your families, to all those who have planned and labored for you, and to yourselves. ”

“ The growth of this university and the establishment and development of other comparable institutions will depend upon you. The increasing number of succeeding elementary and secondary schools are not sufficient to provide instruction for all the children of the Empire, and We are therefore planning to establish thousands more of such institutions, but the problem is to awaken the people to the need for such schools and to get capable instructors to teach the various subjects in the language of the people. ”

“ A qualified man with vision, unmoved by daily selfish interests, will be led to right decisions by his conscience. In general, a man who knows from whence he comes and where he is going will co-operate with his fellow human beings. ”

“ It is this conviction that has so recently caused Us to establish with our own personal funds a trust to assist Africans on the road to higher learning. The aim of the trust is to enable Ethiopians and other Africans of excellence to proceed further in their fields of pursuit. ”

“ We are deeply indebted to the lecturers and professors who have labored unceasingly to make this occasion possible and We exhort them to work ever more in the training of young and competent men for the service of their country. ”

“ He will not be satisfied with merely doing his ordinary duties but will inspire others by his good example. You are being watched by the nation and you should realize that you will satisfy it if you do good ”