On March 18, 2025, the American University of Nigeria (AUN) marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first-ever TEDx event—TEDxAUN—granted by TED and hosted by the AUN Honor Society. TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, is a globally recognized nonprofit organization committed to “ideas worth spreading.” Through powerful, concise talks, TED aims to inspire innovation and spark meaningful change across the world.

President DeWayne Frazier, who could not attend the event because he was attending a Times Higher Education conference on African Universities in Kigali, Rwanda, at the time, had given full support for hosting the event.

TEDxAUN brought that global vision to AUN, igniting fresh perspectives and conversations around the theme of transformation. The event sought to inspire innovation, embrace change, and empower the next generation to create a meaningful impact. With a diverse lineup of speakers, the event explored sub-themes including innovation, mental health, legal institutions in Nigeria, and the arts and creativity, attracting participants from across the university community and beyond.

Among the highlights was a compelling talk by Mrs. Nguavese Tokula, CEO of Wellspring Education Foundation, who spoke on “Balancing Innovation and Humanity in a Digital Age.” She emphasized the importance of designing technology with empathy, reminding the audience that “when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.” Tokula urged innovators to prioritize humanity in their creative processes: “Technology is made for man, not man for technology. As we stand at the crossroads of innovation, let’s think about ourselves and our children—because ultimately, it all comes back to us.”

Mrs. Nnenna Mosugu, AUN Vice President, Finance, delivered a powerful speech on the intersection of ambition, ethical leadership, and resilience. Reflecting on her own experience as a leader, Mosugu spoke about the pressures of leadership and the significance of resilience in overcoming challenges. "Resilience is what makes a leader," she remarked. "Maintaining integrity and balancing ambition is essential to navigating the pressures of leadership. It’s a choice to lead by example, to set the standard."

Dr. Bello Muhammed Magaji, Interim Dean, AUN School of Law, speaking on “Understanding Systematic Issues faced in Legal systems”, highlighted how laws fails to keep pace with social changes because of technological advancement and evolving human right standards. He said “transforming the future is a call to action which should not only address systematic challenge but also anticipated issues and promote fairness in legal reforms.”

Mr. Oluwatobiloba Kelani, Artistic Director at Kels Pictures, shared a talk titled “Innovating with Heart.” He discussed the importance of authenticity and discipline in the creative journey. “At the core of every innovation should be authenticity,” he said. “Discipline is what gets you results—even when you don’t fall in love with the process.”

Barr. Andrew Malgwi (SAN) addressed a pressing societal issue in his talk titled “Crisis of Confidence: Restoring Trust in Legal Institutions in Nigeria.” He encouraged young people to seek reform through continuous learning, civic engagement, and pragmatic dialogue. “The future of Nigeria’s legal system depends on a generation that believes in justice and is willing to work for it,” he asserted.

Coach Nafs, a leadership and transformational coach, delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Mental Health as a Tool, Not a Trap.” She emphasized the need for self-awareness and balance in personal growth, stating that “the secret to mental health lies in finding equilibrium—between pushing yourself to succeed and acknowledging your personal struggles.”

AUN alumna Ufa Dania delivered an inspiring message on the power of self-belief and resilience – “Becoming”. “The world is not waiting for many to come,” she said, “but for you to make an impact.” Her talk struck a powerful chord with the audience, leaving them with a renewed sense of motivation and purpose.

In his remarks, Mr. Israel Curtiz Dike, President of the AUN Honor Society, reflected on the journey of organizing TEDxAUN. “It started as a casual idea, and today, I’m proud to see it come to life,” he said. Dike expressed heartfelt appreciation to AUN’s leadership and staff for their unwavering support, noting that the planning process was a transformative learning experience for his entire team.

Sharon Dimas, Vice President of the Honor Society, highlighted the significance of individual action in driving societal progress. “We must position ourselves to make a change, no matter where we are,” she said, encouraging attendees to take deliberate, consistent steps toward making an impact in their communities.

TEDxAUN was more than just an event—it was a platform for bold ideas, courageous storytelling, and a spark for change. As the inaugural edition came to a close, one thing was clear: AUN had taken a powerful step toward nurturing a generation of bold leaders and problem-solvers, fostering a diverse, multicultural learning environment that encourages critical thinking and social impact.

Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris

Students from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) are spearheading a progressive concept that could become a game changer. Under the Ubuntu for Peace initiative, the students are bringing together young learners from primary and secondary schools across Yola, and representatives of the Bole community, AUNs host community, to promote peace, environmental sustainability, and community interconnectedness. At an event held at AUN's School of Law Auditorium on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the students emphasized actionable steps to address climate change and foster unity among future generations.

The Ubuntu for Peace initiative is part of The Common Ground Initiative, a global competition organized by the Manara Center for Peace and Dialogue in Abu Dhabi and managed by EdVenture Partners in the US. The initiative focuses on addressing critical issues affecting peaceful coexistence in Adamawa State and beyond, with a focus on three interconnected challenges: farmers-herders’ clashes, water scarcity, and climate change.

Rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy – “I am because we are”, the Ubuntu4Peace team champions collective action and shared humanity as a pathway to sustainable peace and development. The initiative emphasizes collaboration, harmony, resilience, social cohesion, environmental restoration, and equitable resource management as a common ground for peaceful coexistence.

Isaac Utsewa Simon, a final year AUN student majoring in Information Systems and the team lead, Ubuntu for Peace, highlighted the initiative's mission. "Peace is foundational to our collective well-being. We plan to provide peace-building approaches because we believe in their power." He further emphasized, “Our generation has a responsibility to shape a peaceful and sustainable future. Through Ubuntu4Peace, we are not just addressing conflicts but also tackling the environmental and resource challenges that fuel them. The Common Ground Initiative is a call for unity, action, and resilience, proving that when schools and communities work together, peace is possible.”

Speaking at the event, Mr. Raymond Obindu drew attention to the link between climate change and community challenges, urging attendees to take action. "Small steps will help; we must learn how to conserve water and energy. Turn off utilities when you're not using them," he said.

Dr. Peter Genger, Faculty Advisor, Ubuntu for Peace, emphasized the importance of collective responsibilities, stating, "Nature is a gift, and we must live in harmony with it. The Ubuntu for Peace initiative is committed to addressing water scarcity, restoring ecosystems, and promoting peaceful coexistence." He further invited stakeholders to collaborate with the initiative, “by working together, we can build a harmonious and resilient future where both people and nature thrive as a common ground for coexistence."

Mr. Ayman Yusuf Usman, founder of the Aawa Tree Foundation, also shared this vision, calling on the students to become ambassadors of environmental care. "The Earth is entrusted to us, and we must protect it for future generations," he said.

Godiya Mark, a student of Government Technical College, Yola, shared her reflections: "I learned that taking care of our environment is crucial; it affects not just us but also plants and animals. Everything around us matters." The Ubuntu for Peace initiative represents a vital step toward building a more harmonious and sustainable world by instilling values of peace, environmental responsibility, and community support in young students. The organizers plan to expand their outreach through upcoming workshops and tree-planting campaigns, encouraging community members to join the transformative journey.

Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris

The American University of Nigeria's (AUN) innovative approach to environmental sustainability, which nurtures the local ecosystem and empowers women, was showcased during AUN President Dr. DeWayne Frazier's recent visit to the Adamawa State Environmental Protection Agency (ADSEPA) on March 11, 2025. During the visit, Dr. Frazier highlighted the outstanding achievements of AUN's 'Waste to Wealth' program, which addresses pressing environmental challenges like waste management and pollution, while creating entrepreneurial opportunities for local women to transform waste into valuable resources.

Dr. Frazier pointed out that the 'Waste to Wealth' program, a flagship initiative of the university, converts waste materials into valuable resources while empowering women in the Yola community with entrepreneurial skills. By transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities, the program promotes sustainability and drives social and economic growth.

He emphasized that AUN's mission extends beyond academic excellence to directly benefit the local community. "Our goal is to combine our commitment to academic rigor with initiatives like 'Waste to Wealth,' which empower our students to make a tangible difference in their communities," he explained. He also highlighted the program's dual impact of addressing environmental degradation while creating economic opportunities for women, many of whom have developed thriving businesses through the initiative.

While thanking Dr. Frazier for the visit, ADSEPA Director Dr. Ibrahim Umar expressed admiration for the university's active role in environmental education and its students' critical engagement with real-world issues. "AUN students go beyond classroom learning to make meaningful contributions to the environmental challenges we face. We would love to see more of them join our efforts," he said. Dr. Umar also highlighted the broader environmental challenges in Adamawa, including illegal waste dumping and deforestation, which make initiatives like ‘Waste to Wealth’ essential for the region's future.

Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris

At the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the American University of Nigeria on March 13, 2025, the message of the event was that education and self-worth are the keys to empowering women to rise above patriarchal barriers. Under the theme “Empowered Women: Empowering the World and Building Futures,” speakers like Hon. Wunfe Anthony, Commissioner of Transport Adamawa State, and AUN’s Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Sesugh, inspired attendees with powerful insights on how women can harness their potential to drive societal change.

The event took place at the American Space on AUN’s campus and brought together important guests, professionals, and participants from Yola and neighboring areas. Hon. Wunfe Anthony, speaks on the transformative power of education for lives and societies. Quoting Malala Yusuf, she stated, “One Child, One Teacher, One Pen, One Book can rule the world.” Her statement highlighted that change begins with empowering individuals, particularly women, through education. She also stressed the importance of building confidence and understanding self-worth in a world where women are often relegated to second-class citizenship. “When we invest in women—through education, mentorship, and opportunities—we unlock their potential to create a better world for everyone,” She concluded.

Mr. Sesugh, Dean of Student Affairs at AUN, draws historical examples of women who defied societal norms to make significant contributions. He shared the story of Bertha Benz, the wife of automobile inventor Karl Benz, who bravely showcased her husband’s invention to the world. “Bertha Benz didn’t just support her husband; she believed in his vision and took bold steps to make it a reality. Her story reminds us that women have always been catalysts for change, even when their contributions were overlooked,” he said.

The event also featured an interactive session where participants discussed key issues women face, including gender biases, social and cultural barriers, and gender-based violence (GBV). Attendees shared personal experiences and strategies for overcoming these challenges, shedding light on the need for collective action and systemic change.

Students from local secondary schools added a creative touch to the event, presenting poems and spoken word pieces that celebrated notable female figures in history. Their performances highlighted the resilience, courage, and achievements of women who have paved the way for progress, inspiring the audience to continue the fight for gender equality.

Reported by Udoh Victoria Clement, Serving Corps Member, Marketing and Communication