Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and most importantly, our new students, Welcome to the American University of Nigeria! My name is Professor DeWayne Frazier and I am one year and three months in the journey of my life serving as the President, as many say the Vice Chancellor, of the American University of Nigeria. This is university is not like other universities and our uniqueness can be heard around the world as recently the U.K. Times Higher Education Impact Study has placed us as one of the top universities in the world, among the top 1,000 out of over nearly 25,000 worldwide. Your AUN, your university, is not ranked top 100 in the world in our commitment to peace making and community service. Please help me in honoring our university with a round of applause.
Nelson Mandela once said “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Today is your day, this is your time students, the Class of 2028 and 2029.
It is with great joy and immense pride that I stand before you today at this momentous occasion—the opening convocation of the academic year. This day marks not just the beginning of a new chapter in your educational journey, but also the start of a transformative experience that will shape your future and the future of our nation.
I would be remised if I did not take a few moments to share a little about one of my heroes, a man who needs no introduction. One time I was with him on a flight and he was smiling from one ear to the other telling me about his time as a young child right here in Yola and being taught by a group of teachers from the United States of America, my home. He says at times he did not listen as he should but those teachers and the system, they brought did not leave any child behind and they always encouraged him to believe in his dreams. Well, I am glad to say that young man dared to dream and never stopped and was able to rise to the position of Vice President of our Federal Republic. Why Yola, he could have placed this university anywhere in the world but he did not, he wanted it in Adamawa, the place where he was educated and he wanted that same style of education here. This man is our dear Founder, Atiku Abubakar, one of the great champions of education in Nigerian history. All of us are in this auditorium today because of his vision, please help me in a round of applause for the dear Founder.
To our new students, congratulations on your admission to this prestigious institution! You have worked diligently to reach this milestone, and today, you join a vibrant community of scholars, innovators, and leaders. You are here because you have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also the potential to make a significant impact on the world around you. Embrace this opportunity with open arms and an open mind. As you step onto our beautiful campus, I encourage you to engage fully with your education. Education is not merely about what you learn in the classroom; it is about the experiences you gather, the friendships you forge, and the challenges you overcome. Take advantage of every opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, community service, and research initiatives. These experiences will enrich your life and provide you with invaluable skills that will serve you well beyond your time at AUN.
It was once written,
“Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can.”
— Douglas Pagels
We will continue to empower you in ways that you have never expected because we have great expectations of each of you seated here today. Knowledge is a powerful tool that can drive change, foster understanding, and ignite innovation. As we navigate the complexities of our world, it is essential that we harness this power responsibly. We must be committed not only to our personal growth but also to the betterment of our communities and our nation. I can promise you, that if Nigeria had more AUN graduates, the “Wahala” we are experiencing would be minimized. Remember, the knowledge you acquire here is not just for your benefit; it is a resource that can uplift those around you. Our students are not just in education for themselves, they are problem solvers, community activist and some of the best young people you will meet…. they are the hope of his great nation.
To our faculty and staff, thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students. Your passion for education and mentorship is what makes this university a beacon of learning and excellence. I beg universities anywhere in the world, from my home country of America to the continent of Europe to our own country here of Nigeria to find a more committed and caring group of faculty. These faculty members are not here for their own personal fame and glory, they are here to empower the next generation of leaders, change makers and people who are going to leave an indelible mark on our world, not just Nigeria. Together, let us continue to inspire our students and foster an environment where creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration thrive.
We know in our great faith traditions of Islam and Christianity there is many holy scriptures about the importance of education.
- The best of charity is when Muslim man gains knowledge, then he teaches it to his brothers (others).
- CS Lewis said, The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.
Together we are a community bound together in love and respect for all people and together we will make this the best year in the history of the American University of Nigeria.
As I continue to be a part of this amazing community, we call AUN, I continue to love to laugh and smile with my friends. I have been blessed to travel around our great state and visiting many different areas. From the amazing athletes and warriors of my Bwatiye people of Numan and Demsa, to the Hausa people of our region or the Kilba people of Hong or my people, the Fulanis of Yola/ Jimeta. We have an amazing state here in Adamawa and we are always proud to have our AUN here as we host students from all over the country. My Hausa language ability is limited but I certainly enjoy hearing people sing out my name of the “Sarki of the Batures”. I also remember fondly listening all over our great nation to hear people speaking what I thought was English, until I realized I was not sure what they were saying.
But, I tell you, Abeg No VEX my friends, the Wahala will be over soon, even your bature President knows.
SHOW THE SHIRT TO THE AUDIENCE
So be careful if I am around, I might understand some phrases and words as I try to take some time this year to learn more of some Hausa and Pidgin.
As we embark on this academic year, let us be guided by our values of integrity, respect, and inclusivity. Let us celebrate our diversity and learn from one another. Together, we can create a supportive and empowering community that nurtures the leaders of tomorrow. In closing, I urge each of you to approach this year with an open heart and a curious mind. Embrace the challenges that come your way, seek out opportunities to grow, and remember that you are not alone in this journey. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Welcome once again to the American University of Nigeria. Let us make this year unforgettable! You have my promise that I will be with you, our entire community every step of the way as we build something further here on the 20-year legacy of Africans first and only development university. I leave you with this quote from our dear Founder.
Education truly can change a person's story, it gave me everything.
Today, each of you attending this service, it is your time to WRITE YOUR STORY!
Thank you. May God richly bless our American University of Nigeria.