Yola: The American University of Nigeria (AUN) has matriculated no fewer than 300 students for the 2025 academic session, urging them to become agents of positive change. The ceremony, marking the 20th Convocation and Pledge of the institution, took place on Monday in Yola.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event featured the traditional induction of students with class sashes, the signing of the academic pledge, and the presentation of the Brian Deaver Lawn Tennis Court, which was donated by the Jaiz Bank Outdoor Entrepreneurship Hub. Dr. DeWayne Frazier, President of AUN, highlighted the university’s mission as Africa’s first development university, emphasizing its dedication to producing leaders who excel academically while addressing social and economic challenges in Nigeria.
Dr. Frazier noted that the university’s philosophy extends beyond preparing students for employment, with a strong focus on nurturing innovators, problem-solvers, and community builders. He stated, “AUN will give you a robust education to be the solution to the problems. We expect you to grow into agents of change who will transform Nigeria and the world for the better.”
While 300 students have been formally inducted, Dr. Frazier mentioned that the number of new entrants is expected to increase as registration concludes. He encouraged the students to adopt the culture of service learning, which integrates classroom knowledge with real-life problem solving in surrounding communities.
Dr. Frazier also urged the students to appreciate the diversity of the university, which hosts learners from more than 16 countries and nearly every Nigerian state. He remarked, “This is not just a university, it is a family of cultures and ideas. Here, you will meet people of different faiths, tribes and nationalities. Learn from one another, respect one another, and let this enrich your academic journey.”
Highlighting global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and social inequalities, Dr. Frazier stressed that education remains the most powerful tool to address these issues. Additionally, Mr. Mohammad Zakari, President of the Student Government Association, advised the new students to remain focused, disciplined, and courageous in pursuing their dreams.
Mr. Zakari pointed out that AUN’s unique teaching and learning approach exposes students to leadership and community service from an early stage. “In AUN, we don’t wait until after graduation to make an impact. You start now through various programmes and service-learning projects,” he said. He assured parents and guardians that their decision to enroll their children at AUN would be rewarding, adding, “The same person you see today will not be the same at graduation. AUN transforms students to see challenges not as problems, but as opportunities.”
The university, founded in 2003 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, admitted its first set of students in 2005, with this year’s matriculation marking the 20th in its history. AUN is recognized as the first institution in Nigeria to offer American-style higher education, combining global best practices with a commitment to local development.