Yola, Adamawa State, 27 October 2025
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) Governing Council has announced the appointment of three distinguished global leaders to its membership: Mr. Saheed Johnson, Ambassador Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, and Mr. Brian Deaver.
The Chairman of the AUN Board of Trustees and Governing Council, Senator Ben Obi, stated that the appointments reflect the university’s commitment to securing world-class leadership. “Each of these individuals brings tested experience, strategic vision, and an international perspective that will be instrumental in strengthening the university’s governance and shaping its future trajectory. Their collective expertise will directly support our strategy for enhanced global partnerships, academic innovation, and long-term institutional growth.”
The three new Council members bring significant strength in corporate strategy, international diplomacy and healthcare innovation, competencies critical to AUN’s next phase of growth as Nigeria’s leading development university.
Mr. Saheed Johnson is an accomplished chemical engineer and senior corporate executive with over four decades of experience spanning the pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and energy sectors. A former Product Development Engineer at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, with contributions to global brands such as Crest, Sure, and Wondra, he later held leadership roles at UAC of Nigeria Plc, GM Nigeria Ltd, SYNERGY Capital, and other multinational firms. His background in large-scale manufacturing, strategic expansion, and corporate governance will be pivotal to AUN’s efforts to deepen industry linkages and enhance its financial resilience.
Ambassador Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, a former AUN Trustee and Provost, currently serves as The Gambia’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. With a distinguished record in academia, diplomacy, and international policy, he brings deep insight into multilateral institutions and global education. He remarked, “I am humbled by this renewed opportunity to contribute to the mission of AUN, a beacon of transformative education, peacebuilding, and development in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.”
Mr. Brian Deaver is a seasoned U.S. healthcare executive with over three decades of leadership experience. He currently serves as the CEO of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, a landmark healthcare project developed in partnership with Afreximbank. The AMCE marks a significant milestone in strengthening Africa’s healthcare infrastructure through global collaboration and knowledge exchange. Mr. Deaver’s expertise in building high-impact medical systems will be a tremendous asset as AUN explores new programs in health and medical sciences.
AUN President, Dr. DeWayne P. Frazier, welcomed the appointments, stating: “I commend our Founder for his foresight in identifying and helping the university bring on board such outstanding new Governing Council members. All three bring a wealth of international experience, and we are fortunate to be able to draw on their wisdom. Their counsel will be crucial as we advance key initiatives in digital learning, community development, and long-term sustainability.”
The appointments further strengthen AUN’s governance framework and reinforce its mission to deliver world-class education and expand its global footprint.
Signed
Yusuf Mohammed
Head of Marketing & Communications