Obi, Atiku Discard Politics, Celebrate Academic Excellence at American University
By Juliet Vincent
Presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi in the 2023 polls, set aside politics to celebrate the 16th Annual Founder’s Day and 20th Anniversary of American University of Nigeria (AUN) on Saturday in Yola.
Obi who delivered the keynote address, emphasized the importance of education, which he said is more of a calling than a profit venture.
According to him, students should embrace leadership and strive for a better future for Nigeria, despite ongoing challenges.
The LP presidential candidate spoke on the transformative power of education and the pivotal role leadership plays in shaping a nation.
He called for unity beyond tribal and religious lines in Nigeria stressing that the success of the nation is dependent on the health and education of its people.
Atiku expressed gratitude for the university’s journey thus far and acknowledged the contributions of several key individuals in AUN’s development, including Professor Robert Pastor and Ahmed Joda.
The American Embassy in Nigeria, represented by Deputy Ambassador David Greene, acknowledged the foresight of its founder for establishing the institution in a region ripe with potential for humanitarian outreach.
AUN President Dewayne Frazier praised Atiku’s leadership for the institution’s growth in the last two decades.
The event featured the AUN Honour Society’s recognition of students for exceptional academic performance and contributions to community development.
Vice President for Academics, Mr. Dan Okereke, announced the establishment of an annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition in Adamawa State’s secondary schools, reinforcing AUN’s commitment to fostering future innovators.
