Over sixty years ago, the Founder of the American University of Nigeria and former Nigerian Vice President, HE Atiku Abubakar GCON, was inspired by his encounter with United States Peace Corps volunteer teachers in his native town Jada. He has since become an advocate for the American style of education that enables students to ask questions and develop critical thinking skills. The establishment of the American University of Nigeria puts into action His Excellency's vision to give young Nigerians and Africans an opportunity to benefit from the educational model he considers most appropriate for a modern society.
In 2014, the AUN-Atiku Institute, the agency that coordinates the University's development interventions in fulfilment of its mission as a Development University, introduced a lecture series to promote the development dialogue in the community.
On the occasion of the 12th AUN-Atiku Institute Lecture on February 24, 2022, the lines of history and contemporary development discourse converged on the 24 Hour-Room of the Robert Pastor Library and E-Resource Center, where former Peace Corp Director, Mr. Aaron Williams, who served as US Peace Corps Director under President Barack Obama, was the guest speaker.
A former Peace Corps volunteer himself, Mr. Williams had a long and rewarding career spanning the spectrum of politics, development, and business. He has also worked in various capacities in the US Agency for International Development (USAID), where he received the USAID Distinguished Career Service Award amongst his many other honors and honorary degrees.
In his interaction with the AUN community through a video link, Mr. Williams discussed the inspiration for his new book titled 'A Life Unimagined' and spoke to students on leading flourishing lives and careers.
Fielding questions about his career highlights and lessons, Mr. Williams said it is essential to chase dreams and passions.
"I learned the most important lesson of my life in the Peace Corps, and that is to take risks. I took a huge risk leaving my comfortable life in Chicago, and it taught me a lot about my ability to be resilient. It is important to challenge ourselves and step out of our comfort zone to build positive mentorships, teams, and friendships. It taught me how to take on complex issues build multi-sector knowledge, to be innovative in handling projects and programs.
"One of the most important factors that is seldom taught in school is how to handle failure. You need to learn how to embrace it. No one likes to fail, but I've seen failures that I felt were career setbacks but that opened up doors for magnificent opportunities in the future,” he added.
Mr. Williams lauded AUN's liberal arts education.
"Students have made an excellent decision to study here because of the superb leadership of my friend and former colleague Dr. Ensign, an outstanding faculty, and a modern approach to education. I understand that the goal of the University is to train future leaders of Africa and to serve both as a stimulus and agent of economic development throughout the region; and because of that students of this institution receive high level training in information technology, entrepreneurship and arts and sciences, all of which are the key to sustainable development."
He said he believes that Africa has a set of smart generations that are have imbibed technology, innovation, determination, and willingness to learn and to take on the complex challenges of the modern world.
"When I talk about the work that I've been doing in Africa, I get asked about the importance of Africa to US Foreign Policy and the world. According to a headline in a special Economic magazine published in March 2021 report, Africa is changing so rapidly it is becoming so hard to ignore. The report argues that in spite of setbacks and persistent problems of the continent, several economic and political improvements since the Cold War are gathering pace, and if that matches its growing population, Africa will play a much more important role in global affairs, economy and development."
President Margee Ensign, who applauded Aaron Williams' exemplary life, said the University is honored to have him speak at the lecture.
"Aaron's story illustrates what can be realized through hard work, determination and courage. He has been a role model and mentor to me and others as he continues to contribute to the professional growth of the current generation of international development professionals."
Reported by Tina Bitrus