The American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, formally welcomed students in the Classes of 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031 at its Pledge Ceremony, challenging the new generation to embrace leadership, service, critical thinking, and personal responsibility as they begin their university journey.
Addressing the freshmen, AUN President Prof. DeWayne Frazier welcomed them to the University’s liberal arts tradition and challenged them to approach their education with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to take risks. “Learn boldly, take chances, ask questions, and make mistakes,” he told the students.
Prof. Frazier emphasized that an AUN education is intended to prepare students not merely for jobs, but for lifelong careers and meaningful lives. He highlighted critical thinking, innovation, leadership, and engagement as essential elements of the University’s educational philosophy.
He also challenged the perception that AUN is exclusively a university for wealthy students, noting that more than one-fifth of its students receive scholarship support. He said the scholarship support reflects the University’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for talented young people.
The President described the pledge as a commitment to integrity, service, and character, urging the freshmen to take ownership of their university experience and make the most of the opportunities before them.
Reinforcing this message, Interim Provost Prof. Bolade Agboola described AUN as a community committed to scholarship, excellence, groundbreaking research, and intellectual growth. He urged the students to uphold integrity, excellence, and character, emphasizing that these values would be essential to their success at the University.
Vice President of Administration Mr. Daniel Okereke welcomed the students to what he described as a transformative journey. He noted that while academic excellence requires brilliance and dedication, students also need a strong, solution-driven administrative foundation to support their development.
He assured the freshmen that the University’s administrative structures were in place to support their academic and personal development, encouraging them to remain focused on their goals, commit themselves to their studies, and make effective use of the support and opportunities available to them.
The Dean of Students, Mr. Sesugh Annger, challenged the freshmen to recognize their own responsibility in shaping their university experience. He reminded them that they have the potential to become future leaders of the continent and urged them to reject negative attitudes toward education and take full advantage of the opportunities available at AUN. “The University is a table set for you,” he said. “You determine what you fill your plate with.”
Student leaders further reinforced the message of personal responsibility, growth, and perseverance. The President of the Student Government Association, Yusuf Abdullahi, drew on his personal experience to encourage the freshmen to embrace growth, persistence, and responsibility. He described the pledge as a commitment to honesty, integrity, responsibility, and becoming worthy members of the AUN community. “Growth begins when comfort ends,” he told the students, encouraging them to seize opportunities, ask questions, learn from failure, and resist the feeling that they do not belong.
The President of the Honour Society, Bilkisu Alkali, similarly challenged the new students to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in integrity. She reminded them that character is demonstrated through the choices people make, even when nobody is watching. “History is only meant for the relentless,” she declared, urging the freshmen to pursue their chosen paths in scholarship, leadership, service, or creativity with determination and integrity.
Following the addresses, the freshmen formally took and signed the AUN pledge, affirming their commitment to the values and responsibilities of membership in the University community.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the students, one in which they are expected not only to pursue academic excellence, but also to lead, serve, take ownership of their opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Reported by: Udoh Victoria Clement