The Founder of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the University’s President, Professor DeWayne Preston Frazier, on the renewal of his appointment for another five-year term.
Frazier’s appointment was renewed by the AUN Governing Council following the completion of his first tenure, reflecting the Governing Council’s confidence in his stewardship and the progress recorded under his administration.
In his congratulatory message to the President on August 12, 2026, Atiku commended Frazier’s leadership and said the progress achieved during his tenure was the result of both his stewardship and the collective efforts of the wider AUN community. “I extend my warmest congratulations to the American University of Nigeria President, Professor DeWayne Preston Frazier, on the renewal of his appointment for another five-year term,” Atiku said.
He highlighted increased student enrollment, the University’s highest student retention rate, the introduction of new undergraduate and graduate programs, and progress in advancing AUN’s strategic vision, “Our University, Our Time, Our Future.”
“These achievements are a testament not only to the President's leadership, but also to the dedication of the management team, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the wider AUN community,” the Founder said.
Atiku also reaffirmed his support for Frazier and the management team as they begin the new term. “I reaffirm my confidence in the President and his management team as they embark on this next chapter. I assure them of my continued support, as well as the unwavering support of the Board and the entire University community,” he said.
The Chairman of the AUN Board of Trustees and Governing Council, Senator Ben Obi, said the renewal was backed by strong support from the University’s trustees and Governing Council members. “I want to congratulate you on this reappointment for the second term of five years; it is obvious that you have done well,” Obi said.
He added that consultations with members of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees had produced almost unanimous support for the renewal, expressing confidence that the University would achieve even more during the new term. “When we sought the opinion of the Governing Council members and trustees, it was almost unanimously agreed that we would give you a second term. Now, in this second term, we believe that we will do more,” he said.
During Frazier’s first tenure, AUN pursued initiatives focused on strengthening its financial sustainability, promoting academic entrepreneurship and innovation, and investing in human resources. The University also deepened community engagement, enhanced the AUN brand, and expanded opportunities for student engagement and development.
Responding to the renewal, Frazier expressed appreciation to Atiku, Obi, and members of the Governing Council for their confidence in his leadership. “I am deeply thankful to our dear Founder, our Chairman, and the entire Governing Council for this important vote of confidence. In just three years, we have achieved many significant milestones,” Frazier said.
Looking ahead, Frazier said AUN is entering what he described as an “exciting new era,” with ambitions to strengthen the University’s standing in Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond. “We are entering an exciting new era in which AUN will increasingly be the talk of higher education across Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond. ‘AUN to the World’ is not simply a catchphrase; it is our mission, our vision, and the direction we are going together,” he said.
The renewed appointment will see Frazier lead AUN into its next phase of growth, with continued emphasis on academic development, institutional sustainability, innovation, community engagement, and international visibility.
Reported by John Abah