Education is game changer, says Atikuas AUN holds 16th graduation ceremony
Former Vice President and Founder of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his belief that education is the most transformative force for development.
Describing education as the ultimate game changer while addressing the graduating Class of 2025 of the AUN, Atiku said the AUN, which he established in 2003, is a legacy that will endure for generations.
Atiku, who was in Yola at the weekend to personally partake in events of the AUN that culminated in its 16th Commencement (Graduation) ceremony on Saturday, spoke of the prize that was paid for his own education and his motivation for contributing to educational development.
“My father was jailed for resisting my enrollment in school,” he recalled, urging members of the AUN Class of 2025 to embrace patience and courage.
Telling a story to buttress his point, Atiku said, “I’ve faced tribulations. Patience is not a weakness. It is a weapon of the wise. When we resisted military dictatorship, they offered me a governorship without an election — I rejected it. In 1999, I earned it the right way and became Vice President.”
In his address welcoming guests to the Commencement (Graduation) ceremony on Saturday, President (Vice Chancellor) of the AUN, Dr. DeWayne Frazier gave further insight to the core of the university.
Frazier said the American system-oriented AUN was established for lifelong learners who are prepared for the ever changing world, as it provides students with comprehensive education for future careers.
“Another unique feature of AUN and American-style education is the focus on entrepreneurship,” he pointed out.
