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Over 474 graduates from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 received their diplomas from President Margee Ensign at the 12th Commencement ceremony on July 10.
The University also conferred an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who was Keynote Speaker. The former Federal Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria spoke on Building a New Nigeria: Imperatives for Shared Prosperity.
Conferring the honorary degree on Dr. Adesina, President Ensign described him as epitomizing AUN's motto: Excellence, Integrity, Service.
"In many ways, he stands for what AUN stands for as Africa's Development University. We are honored to honor a truly Nigerian and African hero".
Responding, the AfDB President, Dr. Adesina, described the honor as a call to do more.
"I will be a great ambassador of this university", he said.
Later, at a world press conference held in the 24-hour section of the University's library, Dr. Adesina offered his candid assessment of the American University of Nigeria.
"My impression is that this University has world-class faculty and excellent facilities. In fact, I did not know that something like this existed in Nigeria. So, when I got here, I was quite amazed. If anyone wants to send their kids to University, they should send them to the American University of Nigeria. This is an excellent university for sure".