The long-standing and cooperative relationship between the American University of Nigeria and the Adamawa Emirate was rekindled on February 8, 2022, when President Margee Ensign received in audience a delegation of the Emirate Council. It was headed by the highly distinguished cabinet Secretary, Alhaji Khalil Mohammed Kawu, who led a delegation to the AUN campus on a courtesy visit to President Ensign.
The delegation's courtesy call was a reciprocal visit from Alhaji Kawu, who had received President Ensign in the palace on behalf of the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dr. Mohammad Barkindo Mustafa, in July last year.
Speaking on behalf of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Kawu described President Ensign as a valuable asset to AUN, the Emirate, and Adamawa state, a leader whose work since her return as President has more than justified the Founder and Board's wise decision to re-appoint her.
He further thanked the AUN President for her selfless contributions toward the betterment of society.
"I want to thank you on behalf of the local communities, the Adamawa Emirate Council, and the entire people of Adamawa State for all you are doing as a university. We can attest to the progress and skills acquired by children, women and the unemployed in our community as a result of your interventions."
While also commending the efforts of AUN Founder His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, for establishing the University in his home state and the peaceful city of Yola, Alhaji Kawu lauded the University's standard of education and the quality of its graduates.
"We are aware that you have students from across the country and the world; we are impressed with the quality of students you produce and the level of education obtained in this University," he said.
Earlier, President Ensign had expressed delight over the Secretary's visit, adding that AUN is honored to be part of the Emirate Council.
The President reiterated AUN's mission and commitment as a developing university and creating a structure that offers students a world-class education, globally-competitive skills, and the desire to apply their knowledge to improve both the local community and their country.
"At AUN, we believe the true measure of success is in doing what we came here for. To make sure we educate the best and the brightest from around the country and the world, and to lift up our community."
President Ensign assured the visiting Cabinet Secretary of the University's continuous commitment to building a better society, especially by educating, empowering, and caring for the community's most vulnerable members.
"We welcome the chance to get your ideas about how we can do better and work with you to make sure our impact in the society is even greater."
President Ensign invited the Cabinet Secretary to join the AUN peace and development network, the Adamawa Peace Initiative (API). Alhaji accepted and offered to leverage the Council’s tremendous clout and networks to partner with AUN in bringing more development dividends to Yola communities and Adamawa State.
The Secretary was accompanied in the visit by Malam Mohammed Sallau. With President Ensign to receive the royal delegation were the AVP Enrollment Management and Residence Life, Bello Abdullahi, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Community Relations, Yusuf Mohammed and Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, Daniel Okereke.
Reported by Tina Bitrus