On March 18, 2025, the American University of Nigeria (AUN) marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first-ever TEDx event—TEDxAUN—granted by TED and hosted by the AUN Honor Society. TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, is a globally recognized nonprofit organization committed to “ideas worth spreading.” Through powerful, concise talks, TED aims to inspire innovation and spark meaningful change across the world.
President DeWayne Frazier, who could not attend the event because he was attending a Times Higher Education conference on African Universities in Kigali, Rwanda, at the time, had given full support for hosting the event.
TEDxAUN brought that global vision to AUN, igniting fresh perspectives and conversations around the theme of transformation. The event sought to inspire innovation, embrace change, and empower the next generation to create a meaningful impact. With a diverse lineup of speakers, the event explored sub-themes including innovation, mental health, legal institutions in Nigeria, and the arts and creativity, attracting participants from across the university community and beyond.
Among the highlights was a compelling talk by Mrs. Nguavese Tokula, CEO of Wellspring Education Foundation, who spoke on “Balancing Innovation and Humanity in a Digital Age.” She emphasized the importance of designing technology with empathy, reminding the audience that “when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.” Tokula urged innovators to prioritize humanity in their creative processes: “Technology is made for man, not man for technology. As we stand at the crossroads of innovation, let’s think about ourselves and our children—because ultimately, it all comes back to us.”
Mrs. Nnenna Mosugu, AUN Vice President, Finance, delivered a powerful speech on the intersection of ambition, ethical leadership, and resilience. Reflecting on her own experience as a leader, Mosugu spoke about the pressures of leadership and the significance of resilience in overcoming challenges. "Resilience is what makes a leader," she remarked. "Maintaining integrity and balancing ambition is essential to navigating the pressures of leadership. It’s a choice to lead by example, to set the standard."
Dr. Bello Muhammed Magaji, Interim Dean, AUN School of Law, speaking on “Understanding Systematic Issues faced in Legal systems”, highlighted how laws fails to keep pace with social changes because of technological advancement and evolving human right standards. He said “transforming the future is a call to action which should not only address systematic challenge but also anticipated issues and promote fairness in legal reforms.”
Mr. Oluwatobiloba Kelani, Artistic Director at Kels Pictures, shared a talk titled “Innovating with Heart.” He discussed the importance of authenticity and discipline in the creative journey. “At the core of every innovation should be authenticity,” he said. “Discipline is what gets you results—even when you don’t fall in love with the process.”
Barr. Andrew Malgwi (SAN) addressed a pressing societal issue in his talk titled “Crisis of Confidence: Restoring Trust in Legal Institutions in Nigeria.” He encouraged young people to seek reform through continuous learning, civic engagement, and pragmatic dialogue. “The future of Nigeria’s legal system depends on a generation that believes in justice and is willing to work for it,” he asserted.
Coach Nafs, a leadership and transformational coach, delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Mental Health as a Tool, Not a Trap.” She emphasized the need for self-awareness and balance in personal growth, stating that “the secret to mental health lies in finding equilibrium—between pushing yourself to succeed and acknowledging your personal struggles.”
AUN alumna Ufa Dania delivered an inspiring message on the power of self-belief and resilience – “Becoming”. “The world is not waiting for many to come,” she said, “but for you to make an impact.” Her talk struck a powerful chord with the audience, leaving them with a renewed sense of motivation and purpose.
In his remarks, Mr. Israel Curtiz Dike, President of the AUN Honor Society, reflected on the journey of organizing TEDxAUN. “It started as a casual idea, and today, I’m proud to see it come to life,” he said. Dike expressed heartfelt appreciation to AUN’s leadership and staff for their unwavering support, noting that the planning process was a transformative learning experience for his entire team.
Sharon Dimas, Vice President of the Honor Society, highlighted the significance of individual action in driving societal progress. “We must position ourselves to make a change, no matter where we are,” she said, encouraging attendees to take deliberate, consistent steps toward making an impact in their communities.
TEDxAUN was more than just an event—it was a platform for bold ideas, courageous storytelling, and a spark for change. As the inaugural edition came to a close, one thing was clear: AUN had taken a powerful step toward nurturing a generation of bold leaders and problem-solvers, fostering a diverse, multicultural learning environment that encourages critical thinking and social impact.
Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris