In a heartfelt initiative that brought AUN families together, President Dewayne Frazier hosted a special event on Saturday, October 19, 2024, for the children of AUN faculty and staff. Held at the Commencement Hall, the day featured various fun activities designed to create a memorable experience for children aged 5 to 12. The event is part of AUN’s ongoing initiative to invest in its human resources and showcase the university’s commitment to both employees and their families.
Speaking about the motivation behind the event, the organizer, President Frazier, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by AUN employees and their families. “It is great to do something for the family because they are a team. This fun day for the children is a small way to show appreciation for the hard work their parents put in at AUN. Keeping parents motivated means also caring for their families.”
The program was packed with a diverse range of activities, ensuring there was something for everyone. From sports like football, basketball, and volleyball, to creative pursuits like face painting and book coloring, to the high-energy dancing competition, the day was a whirlwind of fun and excitement. Special appearances by beloved superheroes like Stanley the Stallion, Spiderman, and Batman added an extra layer of thrill for the children.
Among the highlights was the dancing competition, where winners included Excellent Olumode (Primary 5, 1st place), Paul Pious (Primary 4, 2nd place), and Maryam Hassan (JS2, 3rd place). Proud parents, including Peace Olumode from Career Services, expressed their excitement. “It is really an honor. My son won first prize, and we look forward to many more events like this,” she said.
Parents were equally thrilled with the event. Azeezat Bolaji, a software developer from IT Support, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “My kids hardly go out, so this is a great opportunity for them to play around with other kids in a safe environment. It brings the community together and I hope it happens more often.”
The event was not just a day of fun, but also a strategic move in the university’s broader plan to enhance employee satisfaction. By fostering a sense of community among staff and their families, AUN is demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of its employees. President Frazier noted, “What we are trying to do is better support our faculty and staff, and by extension, their families. And it will only get better.”
With activities designed to foster interaction and team spirit, the event allowed children to enjoy themselves while parents looked on, forming new bonds with fellow employees.
Reported by Aishatu Munnauwarah Yahya