Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and most importantly, our new freshmen, Today, we gather here at the American University of Nigeria to celebrate a significant milestone in your academic journey. This Pledge Ceremony marks not just the beginning of your studies but a commitment to a future filled with possibilities—challenges, and most importantly, opportunities for growth and service. It is a symbolic gesture of your commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and the pursuit of knowledge. This, my dear students, is your launch into your university experience.
One of my heroes, a person who truly embodies the spirit of this university is our dear Founder Atiku Abubakar. His story of coming from humble beginnings right here in Adamawa, he has shared with us that he lost his father at an early age and it was just him and his mother, life was difficult, very difficult for our dear Founder. But, it was when he was young that he met a group of Americans from an organization called the Peace Corps and they invested in him through education. It was this exposure to American style education that touched him, in such a way that each of us are here today because he had a dream to bring that same style American education to Nigeria and to all of sub-Saharan Africa. Please join me in a round of applause for our dear Founder as this academic year, we turn 20 years old.
To our students, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations. Your tireless efforts, perseverance, and unwavering determination have brought you to this pivotal moment. You have embraced the challenges, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger than ever. As you hear me say often, you are not here by accident, for you are here for “such a time as this”. Today, we acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, and we pledge our unwavering support as you embark on this transformative journey. As the president of this prestigious institution, I am privileged to witness the incredible potential that resides within each and every one of you. I have witnessed your passion for learning, your thirst for knowledge, and your desire to make a positive impact on the world. You all are in the right place, the impact that you will make will start in this little part of the world and cause ripples throughout the continent. I have seen your compassion, your empathy, and your commitment to social justice. You have demonstrated time and time again that you are not just students, but future leaders, change-makers, and trailblazers.
When I first came to Nigeria to launch into my presidency in May 2023, I had no idea how amazing the experience truly would be. The greatest thing about Nigeria is the people, it is the people who are generous, kind and caring and they show this to me here on our campus and in our greater Yola community. As people know, I am a culture and international relations person, so I am constantly working to learn more about the people of this amazing country. I always get a big smile when I travel around the community and I wear this shirt for the people to see. I try to convince them I am Hausa/ Fulani but they say my accent gives me away.
Now, outside of this, I continue to learn each month, more and more words and phrases that make me smile. You can follow me on TikTok with one of the videos that went viral with nearly 300,000 views and the coolest thing, the TikTok page is handled by one of our students and me. Now, you have heard me talk about things such as “Ease Yourself” and “How Far” but it is also often the pronunciations that confuse me. I tell the story of meeting a little girl here in town and her name is spelled M-E-R-C-Y but for the first month, they kept telling me here name was “Messi”, I thought, huh, they name kids after not being very clean or organized, OK, that is fine. Or, she was named after the greatest soccer player ever, Lionel Messi. It was finally when I saw her write her name and I looked at it, and realized it was MERCY, or how we Americans say it. This happened again last year when one of our employees came to visit and brought her adorable daughter whose name is spelled A-G-A-P-E and the people kept saying “Oga Pay” and I thought, Oga pays, what am I paying for. Crazy Oga Bature was going to make sure he listened closer and this time I had them spell it for me, oh now I know, AGAPE, the world in English representing Gods love. I love Nigeria and the people, it is so wonderful the patience they show as I learn the system, the people and the language. So I have officially adopted this phrase for myself here and it should be the informal motto for our entire country.
As we stand in the year 2025, our world is facing unprecedented changes and challenges. From the impact of climate change to the complexities of global health crises, from economic disparities to social injustices, it is clear that the need for educated, compassionate leaders has never been greater. And that is precisely why your education here is so vital. You are not just entering a university; you are joining a community dedicated to fostering critical thinking and a spirit of service. In this rapidly evolving world, the ability to think critically—to analyze, question, and innovate—is essential. You will be equipped with the tools to tackle the pressing issues our society faces. You will learn to approach problems not just with knowledge, but with creativity and empathy.
Moreover, we are in a time when community service is not just an option; it is a necessity. Each of you has the potential to make a significant impact, not only within Nigeria but across the globe. As you embark on this journey, I urge you to embrace the spirit of service. Engage with your communities, understand their needs, and contribute positively. Whether through volunteer work, advocacy, or simply being an informed citizen, your actions can inspire change.
Today, I invite you to pledge not only to excel academically but to commit yourselves to the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. Let your education be a beacon of hope, not just for yourselves, but for your families, your communities, and the world at large. As you take your first steps into this new chapter, remember that you are part of a legacy—a legacy built on the foundations of knowledge, service, and leadership.
The American University of Nigeria stands ready to support you on this journey, providing you with a robust education that prepares you to face the challenges of tomorrow. So, let us begin this journey together, with the resolve to learn, to grow, and to give back. Together, we can shape a future that reflects our highest aspirations and values.
Congratulations once again on this momentous occasion. Welcome to the American University of Nigeria, and welcome to the future! Thank you
Prof. DeWayne Frazier
President,
American University of Nigeria