By Talatu Maiwada

The American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, has matriculated no fewer than 300 students for the 2025 academic session, with a call to become agents of positive change.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony, which marked the 20th Convocation and Pledge of the institution, was held on Monday in Yola.

It featured the traditional induction of students with class sashes, signing of the academic pledge, and the presentation of the Brian Deaver Lawn Tennis Court, donated by the Jaiz Bank Outdoor Entrepreneurship Hub.

Dr DeWayne Frazier, President of AUN, described the institution as Africa’s first development university with a mandate to raise leaders who would excel academically while addressing social and economic challenges in Nigeria.

He said the university’s philosophy went beyond preparing students for employment, stressing its commitment to grooming innovators, problem-solvers and community builders.

“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,” Frazier said.

He noted that while 300 students were formally inducted, the number of new entrants was expected to rise at the close of registration.

Frazier urged the students to embrace the culture of service learning, which integrates classroom knowledge with real-life problem solving in surrounding communities.

He also encouraged them to appreciate the diversity of the university, which hosts learners from more than 16 countries and nearly every Nigerian state.

“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,” he said.

He reminded the students that the world was facing unprecedented challenges such as climate change, health crises and social inequalities, and stressed that education remained the most powerful tool to address them.

Also speaking, the President of the Student Government Association (SGA), Mr Mohammad Zakari, advised the new students to remain focused, disciplined and courageous in the pursuit of their dreams.

He said AUN’s unique approach to teaching and learning exposed students early to leadership and community service.

“In AUN, we don’t wait until after graduation to make an impact. You start now through various programmes and service-learning projects,” Zakari said.

He assured parents and guardians that their decision to enrol their children at AUN would be rewarded, 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.”

NAN reports that AUN was founded in 2003 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and admitted its first set of students in 2005, making this year’s matriculation the 20th in the life of the institution.

The university remains the first in Nigeria to offer American-style higher education, combining global best practices with a commitment to local development. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade