AUN recorded another milestone on Monday, April 11, 2022, with the coming into office of newly elected executive officers of the Student Government Association (SGA). The SGA represents the student body and promotes their well-being through interactions with the University management.
After a competitive campaign, new elections for the executive committee were held on April 9. At AUN, students vote through an electronic platform developed internally, guaranteeing free, fair, and honest results.
For the first time in the history of AUN, an all-female executive council was elected to steer the body's affairs in the coming year. The new officers are Halima Mohammed, President; Safiya Auwal, Vice President; Adanma Okoroafor, Public Relations Officer; and Jemima Shallangwa, Treasurer.
Halima Mohammed, a third-year Politics & International Studies major, is also the 16th President of the SGA and the second female to hold the position.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Mohammed promised to devote her energy and goodwill to the welfare of the students.
"This is a dawn of a new beginning," she said, promising "a connective vision, a vision that will sustain us, a vision that will consolidate AUN's position among top Institutions in Africa."
Promising to work toward establishing student business hubs and other social amenities in the dorms, she enjoined faculty and students to cooperate and work with the AUN SGA executives to give students a more fulfilling residence and campus life.
President Margee Ensign could not hide her enthusiasm as she warmly welcomed the new SGA executives.
"It is a special moment in time and I know you will represent every student here, wherever they are from. It's an honor and challenge to be a student government leader. Use every moment you can to do a great job." President Margee Ensign urged the new Executive members.
The Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students Affairs, Mr. Byron Bullock, challenged the newly elected AUN SGA members to be determined, to be role models for other students, and to appreciate the dynamic nature of students and the university environment.
Dean Byron reminded the new exco that they will encounter problems and pressures while pursuing success, but each day will present learning opportunities that will help them grow in leadership and life.
"The people who voted you in only represent a portion of the people you are elected to serve; you also represent those who did not vote for you. Remember, you have a leadership role, and now that you are a public figure, people will watch you and monitor your behavior; you must now be a role model and be accountable for your actions. All eyes are on you.
Former President Daniel Omuabor described his experience leading the student body as challenging while enumerating the achievements of his executive committee. He congratulated his successors and asked them to build on their inherited legacies.
(Please use this link to read the former SGA President's parting remarks)
Photograph and report by Chiedozie Joseph