The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is hosting the 2021 homecoming event titled ‘Unmask the Night’. This year, homecoming will take place on the 9th of April at the Commencement Hall by 7:45 pm with the red carpet starting by 6:00 pm.
Every year the most anticipated event for many AUN students is the lineup of activities for homecoming. From the American tradition, homecoming is celebrated to welcome alumni back to campus, boost school spirit and honor the university heritage.
This year’s homecoming is special because it is the first time it is being hosted in the Spring semester. Also because it is the first major student event since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the run-up to the event, even while on holiday, before the dates are announced, students plan their outfits. There is always an outflow of creative performances accompanied by a powerful display of talent.
The theme this year is ‘Masquerade Mask’ in commemoration of the losses, wins and hopeful victory in the fight against the coronavirus which has held the world hostage for months.
Homecoming week begins with community service on Saturday, 3rd April 2021. AUN is a development university and one of the ways in which the university gives back to society is through community service. Uplifting and enabling the community is a way of reflecting the AUN spirit.
After the community service, organizers, hosts, contestants, and Chairs of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) enjoy a special picnic on Sunday, 4th of April, 2021.
The next event for the week is the ‘All-Stars Basketball Match’ on Wednesday, 7th April 2021. All AUN Basketball teams, male and female compete for the coveted championship title. Loudspeakers courtside blast music to spur on players and spectators alike. There will also be a special guest musical performance.
On Thursday, 8th April 2021 the homecoming parade will kick off with a military-style march past by AUN security, accompanied by representatives of various clubs and societies on campus, a group of brigadiers, and the Mr & Miss AUN pageant contestants. Student vendors will provide food, drinks, and other services.
After all these exciting events, the highlight of the Homecoming week is the Mr & Miss AUN pageant. Gentlemen don their finest tuxedos and ladies turn out in beautiful ball gowns and of course their masquerade masks. This event will hold on Friday 9th April 2021.
This year, there are eight contestants; four males and four females vying for the title of Mr. and Miss AUN. Each of these contestants will compete and be judged based on their business acumen, traditional outfits, talent, and performance in the question and answer session.
Contestants with the best performance will be crowned Mr & Miss AUN. The Mr & Miss AUN pageant will end with a performance by a special guest entertainer. In previous years, Grammy winner Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, and other A-list Nigerian artists have performed at the event. Organizers are keeping this year’s headliner top secret as a special treat.
Reported by Abdulbasit Tolulope Bello