The library auditorium was filled with students and faculty who witnessed the 2022 induction of new members into the Honor Society of the American University of Nigeria in a colorful ceremony on Friday, March 25.
The audience cheered as each new inductee stepped forward to be decorated with the Honor Society sash, a symbol reserved for outstanding student role models dedicated to excellence, leadership, scholarship, responsibility, and service. And they were all female, all 12 of the new inductees, a historic first for AUN.
The 17th edition of the annual event was graced by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Attahir Yusuf; Dean, School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) Dr. Patrick Fay; Dean of Graduate School and Research, Dr. Jacob Udoh-Udoh Jacob, and other senior academic leaders.
The Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Byron Bullock, administered the Honor Society pledge to the new members.
HS faculty advisor and newly promoted Associate Professor Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Hussaini explained that the Honor Society recognizes excellence among student peers, promotes values of higher education, and fosters excellence in leadership, service, and research.
"As a member (of HS), you must demonstrate a willingness to step up and take responsibility, and you must discharge it with integrity and abide by the ethics and standards of the Honor Society.” The School of Engineering Professor urged the newly inducted students to behave as role models to other students and society.
The AUN Honor Society President, Ms. Pwagwadi Madwatte, welcomed and commended the new members.
"We assure you that this journey will begin an experience filled with challenges and growth, and you will learn to lead and do great things." In her final year at AUN, the Law student described her experience during her induction in April 2019 as one of the crucial factors that shaped her personal development. (Please use this link to read her full induction address).
"Ultimately you can do anything you put your mind too. I want you to always remember that to whom much is given, much is expected."
The Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE), Professor Leo U. Ukpong, was the keynote speaker, and his talk centered on "Character, Achievement and Hard Work."
"The beautiful thing about the HS is that the four pillars – excellence, leadership, scholarship, and responsibility – are applicable universally."
Dean Ukpong congratulated the University leadership, faculty, and staff for their contributions toward the academic journey of the new inductees. "An honor such as this is a wonderful way for our school and community to recognize and celebrate the choices and sacrifices you and your parents have made."
The newly inducted members are Salma Abdulrasheed, El-Miracle Akpan, Igbunu Odjesa, Zaida Ahmadu, Biebele Naomi, and Derego-Somiari. Others are Didi Wokemba, Grace Ofili, Favour Abayomi, Oluwagbemisola Oyegoke, Safiyya Auwal, Fatima Banjiram, and Ikram Ibrahim.
Report and photographs by Chiedozie Joseph