By Shafi'u Saleh The American University of Nigeria (AUN) celebrated its 20th anniversary alongside the birthday of its founder, forme...
By Shafi'u Saleh
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) celebrated its 20th anniversary alongside the birthday of its founder, former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, at the university’s main conference hall in Yola on Saturday.
During the ceremony, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON), the Waziri Adamawa, advised the university’s management to explore sustainable revenue-generation strategies to ensure the institution remains self-sufficient.
In his speech, Atiku reflected on the university's journey and underscored the significance of maintaining its founding principles while adapting to future challenges.
Full Speech Highlights:
“It is with immense pride and profound gratitude that I stand before you today on this special occasion of Founder’s Day to celebrate not only my birthday but, more importantly, a remarkable milestone—the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria," Atiku said.
He acknowledged the institution's growth from its inception into a vibrant educational hub, comprising seven schools and nearly 30 degree programs, and commended the contributions of faculty, staff, students, and the Board of Trustees.
Atiku paid tribute to the late Alhaji Ahmed Joda, AUN’s Pioneer Board Chairman, for his instrumental role in the university's establishment. He also recognized late Professor Robert Pastor and Emeritus Dean Louis Goodman of American University in Washington, D.C., as co-visionaries who provided the intellectual foundation for AUN.
“Their contributions, alongside those of the foundational board members, have been pivotal in shaping AUN into the esteemed institution it is today,” he said.
A Call for Financial Sustainability:
Atiku emphasized the need for the university to become financially sustainable and outlined several strategies to diversify funding sources:
- Alumni Engagement: Mobilizing alumni to support fundraising initiatives.
- Corporate Partnerships: Collaborating with businesses for financial support and joint programs.
- Grants: Pursuing grants from governmental and international organizations.
- Continuing Education Programs: Offering professional development courses to generate income.
- Research Funding: Attracting private-sector investments and grants for research projects.
- Fundraising Events: Organizing campaigns to involve the community in supporting AUN.
- Endowment Funds: Seeking philanthropic contributions to provide steady financial support.
Atiku also highlighted the importance of incorporating agricultural studies into AUN’s curriculum, given the prominence of agriculture in the local economy. He urged the university to establish a School of Agriculture to empower students to contribute to food security and sustainable development.
Preserving the American Identity:
The former vice president reaffirmed AUN’s commitment to its American educational identity, emphasizing principles of academic rigor, intellectual freedom, and excellence. He also stressed the need for community engagement to address societal challenges and foster mutually beneficial collaborations.
Vision for the Future:
Atiku outlined additional strategies for AUN to remain relevant and impactful:
- Industry-Responsive Curriculum: Collaborating with industry leaders to align academic programs with market demands.
- Sustainable Development Initiatives: Focusing on renewable energy, agriculture, and resource management.
- Entrepreneurship: Establishing incubators to encourage innovative business creation.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging digital tools to enhance learning accessibility.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Addressing critical issues like urbanization, economic development, and healthcare.
- Civic Responsibility: Equipping students to lead positive societal changes.
Closing Remarks:
“As we celebrate 20 years of excellence, let us recommit ourselves to the vision that brought us here. Together, we can shape the future of education in Nigeria and inspire generations to come,” Atiku concluded.
The event served as both a reflection on AUN’s achievements and a call to action for its continued evolution as a leader in transformative education.
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