Amid a sea of caps and gowns at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Commencement Hall, the immediate past President of the Student Government Association (SGA), Muhammad Bashir Zakari, delivered a reflective address at the 17th Commencement Ceremony held on 9 May 2026. He framed his university journey as one defined by transformation, friendship, and “a freedom that rewards.”
He described his experience at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) as a shift from rigid discipline under a military secondary school system to a more open academic environment, crediting the institution with reshaping his outlook on leadership and problem-solving.
Bashir said his time at AUN transformed him from “a naïve, stubborn, 18-year-old” into a leader who learned to view challenges as opportunities, highlighting the university’s influence in shaping student leadership capacity.
He pointed to academic pressure, strict deadlines, and campus dynamics as key aspects of student life that prepared graduates for professional and personal responsibilities beyond university. He also emphasized peer relationships as a lasting source of support and resilience after graduation.
Bashir acknowledged key university administrators, including President DeWayne Frazier, Provost, Dr. Paul Vita, the Dean of the School of Information Technology and Computing, Professor Chidi, and Registrar, Mr. Daniel Okereke, noting their role in shaping the academic and leadership environment.
He also recognized the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Sesugh Annger, for his role in student life management, referencing the intensity of student engagement under his office in a light moment during the speech.
A significant portion of his address focused on family support, which he described as essential to student success. He credited his parents and sister for their sustained emotional and financial support throughout his academic journey.
He further acknowledged the vision of the university’s founder, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, for establishing an institution that unites a diverse student body under a shared academic mission.