Freshmen feel the American University of Nigeria's traditional warm embrace
By Haruna Aisha Tahir
Anxiety can sometimes temper the thrilling experience of entering university for many students, as it feels like they are venturing into an unfamiliar world. Without a doubt, college is an introduction into adulthood. At this age, young people feel the thrill of independence together with the nervousness that comes with unfamiliarity and having to make choices on their own.
The American University of Nigeria's newly admitted students, embarking on their journey of self-discovery and academic pursuit, starkly demonstrated this recently. People often describe the AUN campus experience in superlative terms, and the fall 2024 version did not disappoint.
Traditionally, AUN provides a fascinating orientation program that offers a warm embrace to the newcomers to its beautiful Yola campus. Right from the airport or other arrival points, enthusiastic student volunteers are all over the freshmen with an infectious hospitality that eases the anxiety and ushers the newest members of the learning community to their new home. The orientation week at AUN is a community legend, a warm embrace like no other, a joyous festival of service and selflessness. Throughout the orientation week, volunteers are available to respond to queries, handle issues, and make sure that parents and students are comfortable and know where to access what service they require. And guess who was in charge of the cheerleading team, welcoming the new students and their parents? Yes, you guessed right—the university's president himself. Pleasant, charismatic, and brimming with infectious energy, the young President DeWayne Frazier led the university's charm offensive and was easily the face of the entire orientation exercise.
The orientation for the fall 2024 semester officially began on August 28, dedicating a full day to student registration. The sheer number of students entering made this fall semester's orientation so special. They came from far and near—international students from the Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and other French-speaking African countries; students transferring from Canada and the United States; students transferring from other universities in Nigeria and other African countries; and of course, new students from all regions of Nigeria. A celebrated alum who returned to help her younger sister with her in-boarding activities confirmed that this year's student intake is the highest in the university's history, a hugely impressive 50 percent increase from the previous year's intake for undergraduates and 100 percent increase in the number of entering graduate students.
It was fascinating observing freshmen moving around in smart gaits to complete their course and accommodation registration details, meeting and consulting with their academic advisors, and going over other prerequisites during this time. They moved from one service point to another, including the admissions desk, bursary, meals and accommodation, ICT, academic advising, and retention, all under the guidance of courteous volunteers who were reliving their own experiences from years ago.
The president's welcome session, which took place in the auditorium of the award-winning Robert A. Pastor Library—one of the best university libraries in Africa—was another high point of the orientation program. AUN's deans and President Frazier took the stage to share insightful highlights about life at the university and why the students and their parents have made a historic decision to come to Africa's premier development university, which is celebrating its twentieth year. Earlier, the students underwent written placement tests to ascertain their academic standing and secure placement in classes that aligned with their skill level. The various deans of AUN’s schools—Arts and Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology and Computing, Law, Engineering, and Basic Medical and Allied Health Sciences—took their turn to also highlight how the American liberal arts flavor impacts their course curricula and, in turn, ensures that graduates of the American University of Nigeria are ready for life and career in a global setting.
The convocation and pledge ceremony, which marks the official beginning of the academic journey for the Class of 2028/2029, closed the week-long orientation. During the colorful ceremony graced by parents, alumni, and friends of the university, President DeWayne Frazier provided an inspiring overview of the university's mission. The President delivered a motivating prognosis of the university's strategic vision and welcomed the newest members of the AUN community to the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
He emphasized the unique American liberal arts educational model, which equips students with critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and transferable knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. This model, he noted, empowers students to specialize in various fields while remaining adaptable to future opportunities.
Highlighting AUN's 20-year legacy of academic excellence, President Frazier proudly acknowledged the institution’s steady progress over the years. He also emphasized AUN’s entrepreneurial-focused curriculum, which requires all students, regardless of their major, to take business and entrepreneurship courses each year. This initiative nurtures entrepreneurial thinking and prepares students to stand out in their respective fields. Additionally, he underlined the significance of community service—an essential component of the AUN experience—where students actively engage with local challenges and work towards creating solutions, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
"AUN is the first development university in Africa," Dr. Frazier proudly declared. "Our students are at the heart of this mission. During their time here, the average student will contribute over 100 hours of volunteer service annually to local communities."
Following the president’s address, Dr. Adewale James, the interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, delivered an earnest message to the incoming students. He encouraged them to fully embrace their academic endeavors, participate actively in school activities, and find a balance between academic excellence and personal growth. His words served as a reminder that their time at AUN would shape them into well-rounded individuals.
The associate professor of mathematics and esteemed scholar advised the students to take full advantage of the academic support facilities and resources available to them, which are unique to the American liberal arts setting, in order to have a fulfilling and rewarding academic life. The Vice President of Residence Life and dean of students, Mr. Byron Bullock, gave the students a richly rewarding prep talk on time management and the intricate steps in managing expectations in a technology-intensive university campus noted for diversity and high ethical standards.
In his remarks, Mr. Daniel Okereke, the university’s interim registrar and vice president for administration, heaped praise on the management’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. He warmly welcomed both international students and those transferring from other Nigerian universities, urging them to uphold AUN’s core values of equality and fairness. Mr. Okereke also emphasized the university's commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment for all students, declaring AUN the safest learning space in Nigeria for female students. “When you nurture a safe and conducive learning environment, female students excel remarkably. We have evidence-based data on this, as in recent times, AUN has graduated more females as class speakers and valedictorians,” he said.
Several parents expressed their gratitude for AUN’s efficient organization and warm hospitality. Mr. Kekere Nelson, a parent from the Niger Delta, commended the university’s seamless registration process and the ease with which they were able to navigate the campus. Mrs. Josephine Jeffrey Balminas praised the creativity and structure of the orientation program, describing it as “one of a kind.” She particularly appreciated the clear communication and detailed activity breakdown provided to both students and parents.
Another parent, Mrs. Folashade Diwa from Lagos, expressed her appreciation for the hospitality shown to her and her family since their arrival in Yola. "Transitioning to a new environment can be difficult because of homesickness, but seeing AUN, I think I’ll give it a try," she said. She was also impressed by the availability of AUN buses, which made navigating the campus stress-free for both students and parents.
As the orientation drew to a close, the mood shifted from nervousness to excitement. Freshmen eagerly connected with new classmates from around the world, ready to embark on a journey of academic discovery and personal growth. With the promise of new experiences, entrepreneurial ventures, and lifelong friendships, the students left the ceremony feeling embraced by the AUN community.
The students know they have a vibrant and dedicated network of peers, faculty, and staff supporting them as they begin their first semester. AUN’s unique blend of liberal arts education, entrepreneurial focus, and community service learning continues to shape future leaders, well-prepared to face the challenges of the modern world.
Ms. Haruna Aisha Tahir writes from Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State. She can be reached at