American University of Nigeria

Here is my own piece of advice to the new AUN students:

Let me first of all congratulate the parents of the new students for their stake in this promising institution. American University of Nigeria breeds students to become leaders with enthusiasm, character, services and innovations through well directed, quality and high-standard academic pursuits.

It is no longer “news” that the school has turned to be the most preferred Nigerian University. The leeway of 24 hours uninterrupted electricity, wireless campus, sets of modern, attractive infrastructures with state-of-the-art facilities that facilitate learning are some of the unique features that set AUN apart.

To the “freshest” men, it is my pleasure to specially welcome you to AUN community through this medium. I guess it has been a wonderful experience so far.

I could remember exactly five years ago when I joined AUN. Having been to the aviation college, I was boggled with the question of what AUN has to offer me. Today, I am delighted to have taken the decision to be a member of this advanced community. Having come this far, I have always found motivations in my decision of five years ago to inspire young people like you who are determined to achieve.

I will not go all the way telling you all the good things about AUN because that will be too much of a cliché. This is an environment where success is a standard rather than an “accomplishment.”

Being an AUN student therefore, a lot would be expected from you. So you should be careful the way you live your live from now because you now represent a community of leaders. When you go to town and flaunt yourself as a student of AUN, people will keep quiet and listen to you speak; they are eager to emulate some of the characters you put to display.

AUN is literally the only school where students are immune from unemployment, if you know what I mean. An evidence based on anecdotal observation shows that more than 80 per cent of AUN products are doing exceptionally well in the labour market; this is the best figure you can find in Nigeria for now. Our very own Tijani Umar was the only black at the just concluded London Olympics Sailing Centre (2012) – Weymouth and Portland.

One thing that further distinguishes us as a family is our inclination to community development and our ideology of adding value.

Here in AUN, students model real life economic situation within and outside immediate community and work out modalities that touch lives. “Within my last four years in AUN, my orientation has changed completely. I have developed the sense of social entrepreneurship, I became more humanitarian and I developed the spirit of nationalism.” Those are some of the quotable words of Mohammed Santali, a distinguished member of the class of 2012. That significantly describe the kind of value AUN is implanting in its students making it a symbol of reassurance for hope and ethical leadership in Africa.

The American curriculum and system of education is tasking. As such, Professors would demand that you operate with precision at all time. Also, you will have the opportunity to work in groups; you will be saddled with real time global significant projects and big challenges that will afford you a vantage avenue to think critically, analyse, and work on scientific model. That is why AUN products are distinguished anywhere in the world.

All the professors teach with uncommon passion and enthusiasm. They are humble and approachable. If you ask any of the returning students around, they would probably have a lot to say about AUN’s students-professor close mentorship and how it has helped their personal growth. AUN professors are ready to solve your problem any time. Their strict and courageous, inexorable stance only comes to the fore against broadside of laziness, indulgence and other unacceptable practices.

AUN is inclined to being a dynamic agent of change, promoting civil society and economic development in Africa region. That is why the value of community services and developments is reinforced here. If you believe you can change your world, then it starts from here.

Once again, I want to say congratulations for your meaningful decision. One advice is to always remember where you are coming from, who you are, where you are and why you are here. Also, college life can appear so glittery, yes it is but the real deal is how you pass through the school and finish. Make the most of your early years and always ask for advice or questions when you don’t know. And finally, remember AUN has a lot to offer, explore as much as you can! But set your priorities right.

Congratulations