With a new President, new faculty intake, new academic programs, and new students, AUN began the fall semester of 2023 with an optimistic and revitalized spirit. On Monday, August 28, new students were inducted into the classes of 2027 and 2028 by the learning community to begin their journey of discovery.
At a colorful Convocation and Pledge Ceremony held in the main bowl of the Lamido Musdafa Commencement Hall, President DeWayne Frazier, assisted by senior academic and administration officials, led the new students, their parents, and the community to take the University Community Pledge. The President later decorated the new students with their class sashes.
In addition to the novelty of Dr. Frazier officiating in his maiden Convocation and Pledge Ceremony as President/Vice Chancellor, the birth of a new School – the AUN School of Basic Medical and Health Sciences (AUN-SBM&HS), the introduction of new academic programs and expectations of even more additions in the spring 2024 semester, created an atmosphere of renewal during the week-long orientation program.
President Frazier urged the entering students to internalize the core message in the famous philosophical quote of the AUN Founder and former Nigeria's Vice President, HE Atiku Abubakar, GCON, which states: 'Education truly can change a person's story; it gave me everything. Whatever happens, get an education". The President paid special tributes to the Founder’s vision and commitment to the cause of education, and a better society.
Turning to the new students, President Frazier asked rhetorically, "Are you ready to change your "story"? "Life is like an open journal," he said, "and you are the one to write the pages. Each of us are not promised a tomorrow, so we need to live each day working hard and living for the moment".
In his message to the new students, the President relished the values and solemnity of the occasion.
"This is our AUN, a world class university with world class people and today you, the students, you're adding to the amazing people here because you'll be adding value to people's life."
Continuing, President Frazier told them: "Each person in this auditorium will add value to your life. Can you imagine? Can you imagine that you would be here at this moment? Today, we stand at the crossroads of life for our students and campus community.
“As a student, you're launching your academic career and will be a part of this great citadel of learning, the American University of Nigeria. This is our first semester with the new President for our campus community. And with the new President and academic career, new beginnings come”.
He told them that life is an ever-evolving journey marked by continuous cycles of endings and beginnings.
“This new beginning is the chapter of your life where you get a chance to write your own stories, redefine your goals, and rediscover yourself”, he told them.
The President assured the students that the moment creates excitement, bearing the season of renewal and renaissance, a fresh beginning for the AUN Community.
"Whether it arises from a personal choice like coming to college, or an unexpected circumstance like new beginnings, it offers an opportunity to grow, learn and ultimately thrive. We're building something new right here. I'm here to tell you this is going to be the best year in the history of the American University of Nigeria. It's going to get better every single year".
The President expressed confidence that each new student will take the offered opportunities to fulfill their dreams.
"Each week you'll be given opportunities to give back to the community and help others from programs such as Feed and Read, helping out local school children, assisting in sports with children in our region. You'll have the opportunity to touch lives. And maybe you want to find a new program, start your own organization like many of our AUN students have over the years. Each of you will have the opportunity to not only educate young minds, but to help develop them into leaders".
He also assured their parents that the kids they will be dropping off will return to them with a transformation.
"We have the task of developing the next generation of leaders for Nigeria and the world. Leaders who will make positive and ethical changes to make our world a better place. You are that generation, and Can you imagine a new AUN that is ready to claim its place as the best place to study among all universities in Nigeria and the world?".
Reported by John Abah