The President of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Prof. DeWayne Frazier, on Thursday, January 23, 2026, warmly welcomed a new cohort of undergraduate and graduate students at the President’s Welcome Dinner.
In typical AUN fashion, President Frazier, accompanied by the university mascot, Stanley the Stallion, ushered in the newest Stallions with a vibrant celebration that blended tradition, fellowship, and fun. The evening featured dinner, lively interactions, and inspiring testimonials from returning students who shared their AUN experiences with the freshmen.
In his opening address, President Frazier set the tone for the evening by charging the students with a monumental responsibility. He described them as a generation poised to drive positive change across all sectors of society and urged them to engage fully with the university’s robust support systems, including the Academic Advisory Unit and the Writing Centre.
The program gained momentum with remarks from student speakers who delivered powerful messages of purpose and accountability. Becky Neni, a Chemical Engineering major, emphasized that “excellence should not be optional,” describing AUN as a proving ground designed to “stretch students beyond doubt.”
Earlier, Donald Sharibu, a Political Science and International Studies major, offered a note of caution, describing AUN as “an environment that has the key to open the skies.” He noted, however, that despite the abundance of opportunities, success ultimately depends on personal choices. He encouraged the incoming class to remain humble, curious, and intentional in every decision they make.
Hajiya Hadiza Gambo, a parent, Chairman of ICAN, Kano State, commended AUN’s orientation process and world-class facilities. She praised the university’s administration and urged it to sustain its legacy of excellence.
In his closing remarks, Provost Prof. Paul Vitae expressed heartfelt gratitude to the student volunteers whose dedication helped ease the transition of the new students, reflecting the collaborative spirit essential for the journey ahead.
Reported by Udoh Victoria Clement