In an inspiring address, the President of the Student Government Association (SGA), Muhammed Bashir Zakari, officially welcomed the incoming Classes of 2029 and 2030 to the American University of Nigeria (AUN) on September 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for hundreds of freshmen.
Speaking before new students and their families at the Lamido Aliyu Musdafa Commencement Hall, Zakari extended not just a welcome to campus, but to what he described as a life-changing experience at Africa’s first Development University. “AUN is more than a university,” Zakari said. “It is your new home. There are moments in life that define history—moments when you know, deep in your soul, that things will never be the same. Today is such a moment.”
Acknowledging the mix of excitement and anxiety that often accompanies the start of university life, Zakari shared his personal story. “My time at AUN wasn’t something I planned; it was something I discovered. And that’s what AUN offers, the chance to discover yourself in ways you never imagined.”
He emphasized AUN’s mission of development and community impact, highlighting programs such as Feed and Read and the university’s extensive community service initiatives that shape students into change-makers.
Turning to parents, Zakari expressed appreciation for their trust in AUN. “Thank you for having the courage to send your children far from home,” he said. “The person you see today will not be the same person you meet at the end of this journey. You’ll see someone more mature, more thoughtful, someone who sees challenges not as problems, but as opportunities. That’s what AUN does.”
Zakari encouraged the new students to step outside their comfort zones. “Join something. Learn something. Try, fail, learn, and grow. The friendships you build here may be exactly what you need tomorrow.”
In closing, he challenged the new students to redefine success beyond grades. “At AUN, success is not measured by your GPA, but by who you become when you leave and the impact you’ve made. You’re not just here to take classes. You’re here to take charge of who you are.”
The address ended on a high note, as the energy in the hall reflected optimism, courage, and a strong sense of belonging, signaling the start of a life-changing journey for AUN’s newest Stallions.
Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris