It is one of the University's oldest traditions, but it never loses appeal. Since the Fall of 2005, when the inaugural class hit the neighborhood to render voluntary service while winning hearts and minds, Community Service at the American University of Nigeria has remained a hugely anticipated rite of passage for entering students. Although community service learning is an essential requirement of the curriculum at AUN, students' enthusiasm to serve the community and humanity has become a valued tradition, much like the Pledge and Commencement ceremonies, only more regular.
The Spring 2023 semester has not been an exception. On January 19, newly enrolled students took part in their inaugural community service at the Rumde Jabbi Nursery and Primary School, Mbamba, Yola South Local Government Area, two days after completing their in-boarding and course registration.
Software Engineering senior and volunteer Chika-Utazi Obumneme was seen allocating students into groups of tens to encourage teamwork and enhance the division of labor. At the same time, Assistant Director of Community Service Ahmed Aliyu gave the new students a crash course on painting like professionals and avoiding staining their T-shirts.
While painting the classroom blocks, the new students engaged in banters and get-to-know-you chat-ups, creating laughter and fun and becoming better acquainted with those who will be their mates for life. They also reflected on their experience coming to the beautiful AUN campus.
Joel Jackson, an Account major, described his experience as engaging. "So far, my experience at AUN has been nothing short of amazing. The staff are good, and they treat you kindly. The students are sociable and respectful. I like it, and I'm ready to see what my first day in class will be," he stated.
Aisha Ibrahim Bappa, majoring in NES, agreed. "I never imagine that the reception and the experience at AUN will be so warm. I feel at home and ready to explore," she noted.
Zainab Ali, a CMD major, said, "I like what I see at AUN, and I like the painting experience."
Emmanuel Jerry, majoring in Information Systems, was excited to interact with fellow first-year students under the auspices of community service, which he said he did not expect.
Kennedy Henry, a law student, said, "This is my first time of doing this, and I'm really glad to do this painting. The experience is so inspiring, I met more than I expected."
The Assistant Head Teacher of Runde Jabbi Nursery and Primary School, Ms. Iverem Clement Nahanga, thanked the students and AUN administration for continuously training students who understand the problems of people and communities and then proffering solutions to them. "Thank you so much for your kind gesture of always relieving the pains of others, please continue to spread your goodwill to others," she concluded.
Reported by John Abah