In the aftermath of the devastating impact of Boko Haram in Northeast Nigeria, the region has experienced a remarkable rejuvenation characterized by flourishing economic activities and the advancement of educational programs, thanks in part to the combined efforts of military intervention and the strategic educational initiatives undertaken by the American University of Nigeria (AUN). Noteworthy programs such as Feed and Read, Technology Enhanced Learning for All (TELA), and various empowerment initiatives implemented by AUN’s Atiku Institute for Development have played a pivotal role in educating and empowering the region's populace, particularly the youth.
Despite the positive transformation, skepticism persists due to imbalanced media portrayals by some foreign outlets.
Undeterred by opinions and insinuations, esteemed journalist Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson and her team, hailing from Los Angeles, USA, visited Yola, Nigeria, the home of AUN, from February 20 to February 27, 2024, capturing a week-long documentary highlighting the communities, cultural heritage, educational landscape, and the profound impacts of AUN on both immediate and distant communities.
Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson, a renowned American educator, TV host, documentary filmmaker, public speaker, and author with numerous awards to her credit, shared her vision of turning her TV shows into a documentary. She said, her team was in Yola to shoot episodes of her polygraph show, with each of the six episodes addressing a fundamental question: “what is the American University of Nigeria’s global impact?”
The documentary is set to premiere on September 4, 2024.
Acknowledging the significance of impactful ideas, Dr. Angela believes that featuring AUN on her show and subsequent documentary will reshape Americans' perception of Nigeria. She expressed gratitude for the warm reception from Nigerians and highlighted the collaborative efforts of AUN students and staff, which greatly facilitated the accomplishment of their filming goals.
Dr. DeWayne Frazier, President of the American University of Nigeria and a personal friend of Dr. Angela Williamson, played a crucial role in securing the prosperous partnership for AUN. Since his arrival at the university in 2023, he has committed to elevating AUN’s profile, ensuring it receives the acknowledgement and visibility it deserves as a development university that is living out its vision and mandate of impacting lives, its communities, the nation, and the world.
Acknowledging the power of friendship and meaningful connections, Dr Frazier said when he started nurturing the idea of getting AUN on the global stage, he knew who could get the job done.
"I knew if anyone can help tell the story of AUN, our uniqueness, and our global impact, she would be the best anywhere in the world. Everything she does is with excellence and care and for her to come and partner with AUN on our 20th Anniversary and create this documentary for Public Broadcasting Services, is a win-win for everyone. I am most thankful to her for her brilliance as a documentary artist but more importantly, for her friendship.” remarked President DeWayne Frazier
Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson's journey to showcase the positive transformations brought about by AUN underscores the importance of accurate reporting and the influential role media can play in shaping global perspectives.
Reported by John Abah