Third-year Software Engineering major, John Wogu, and fourth-year Communications & Multimedia Design major, Hadiza Abdulkarim, emerged Mr. & Miss AUN respectively at the pageant held on November 15, 2019.
From 10 contestants vying for the crown, their unique skills set them apart. They officially became ambassadors of the university. Final-year Computer Science student, Marho Ohimor, and fourth-year Law student, Christine Vihishima both winners from last year passed on the baton to them.
Since inception in 2011, the event has been glamorous all the way and this year's event was no different.
Organized by the Campus Activities Board through the Office of Student Activities & Involvement, the homecoming court is an event that selects two student ambassadors who can represent the university's ideals. Organizational involvement, leadership, and community service are among the criteria for winning the contestants.
The red carpet at the entryway was a platform for students to curate memories with photoshoots before the start of the main event.
The 10 contestants took part in all five categories of the competition: opening dance choreography, personal talent, traditional, costume and business attires, and the question & answer session. In each of these categories, each contestant adorned different outfits in a bid to impress the judges with their style and performances.
This year's theme was 'Around the World' and each of the contestants made an effort to display themes that depicts various countries. Dean of Students, Byron Bullock, described them as "incredibly talented".
Outgoing Miss AUN received the DSA Award for Exceptional Leadership and a cash prize of N50,000 for being exceptional in her community service outreach during her reign.
"No one has served in her role and done as much as she's done."
A variety of performances spiced up the event. First-year Electrical/Electronic Engineering major, David Iheonu played a rendition of “We are the World” by late pop star Michael Jackson using the saxophone. It was an opportunity to play the instrument which he loves so much, having been playing it since primary school. Fourth-year Telecommunications & Wireless Technologies major, Ruth Jesse, and third-year Accountancy major, Joy Jacob, performed 'Pretty Hurts' by Beyonce.
During one interlude, the Honor Society hosted a raffle draw and second-year Software Engineering major, Obumneme Chuka-Utazi, was the winner of the N30,000 prize. Raffle tickets were sold to generate funds for the Honor Society's upcoming educational development and community service project which will be executed in a primary school within the university's host community.
Besides the winners of the coveted Mr. & Miss AUN positions, other winners were recognized. Third-year Communications & Multimedia major, Sani Adeleke, and third-year Information Systems major, Kauna Wadzani, were first runners-up while third-year Software Engineering major, David Asher, and Samantha Bala, were second runners-up. John Wogu also won the Mr. Congeniality position while the duo of Kauna Wadzani & Isioma Enwerem won the Miss Congeniality position.
The Mr. & Miss AUN pageant takes place during Homecoming Week when alums visit their alma mater. It is the biggest student event of the year, one that students look forward to.
Reported by Omorogbe Omorogiuwa