It was the English Playwright/Poet William Shakespeare who wrote in Julius Caesar: “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes”. And like the exit of a prince, the AUN Community gave a rousing send-forth to departing AVP Reg Braggs on March 4, 2020. He was described in superlatives; praises only fit for princes.
President Dekle and VP Abba Tahir led with stirring panegyrics that covered Mr. Braggs’ AUN odyssey in a blaze of glory.
The outgone AVP of the New Foundation School (NFS), served as “Chief Custodian of the Chibok Education Initiative, relating with their parents, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders, to ensure that the Girls have a worthwhile experience. His work with the ladies focused on three goals: Personal Healing, Educational Development, and Social Integration".
The President’s rousing tribute:
If you want to know and understand who someone is, the easiest thing to do is to look at the friends they surround themselves with. Reg, you have done that, on many occasions. I have been a witness to your dedication to NFS, which is unparalleled, earning you the affectionate nickname of “Baba-B” from the students and staff. I have been a spectator to your teamwork on the basketball court, helping the Veterans stay just one layup, jump shot, or rebound ahead of our youthful AUN undergraduate team, who have legs as quick as stallions during a game. I have been in awe of your quiet faith in your creator, as you give yourself over to him to guide you in this lifetime. I have found myself copying you, pirating from you, wanting to be more like you – they say imitation is the highest form of flattery. I just wanted to be “cool” like you. Reginald Talented Braggs?
Please read the full text of President Dekle’s tribute here
Dr. Abba Tahir’s tribute to AVP Braggs was no less effusive. Titled: A Tribute to Struggle, Service and Sacrifice (Farewell Verse to Mr. Reginald Braggs with Love!), the VP wrote:
He left a mark that his former students are still reminiscing about this man that never entertained any frown on his face and indeed, in his lexicon.