Atiku was recently in the limelight and the centre of media attention once again as another opportunity for special recognition and celebration beckoned. Precisely on Friday November 13, 2015, the highly accomplished political leader and business man was in Yola the Adamawa State capital to give out his three daughters in marriage, just as his son also got wedded same day. It was an event that drew the high and mighty in the country, including President Muhammadu Buhari, to Yola. Not even the threatening shadow of a Boko Haram suicide bomb attack could dampen the joy of the moment. And in fact, the joy did not end there.
The following day, November 14, Atiku once again took the centre stage to be honoured as the American University of Nigeria, AUN, which he founded marked its 10th Founder’s Day and Commissioning Ceremonies. Although the Founder’s Day, according to AUN President Margee Ensign, presented the opportunity to honour and celebrate all of students, faculty, and staff who created the accomplishments of AUN’s first decade, it was mainly to honour and thank the institution’s Founder, Atiku Abubakar, whom she described as a great Nigerian, for making ‘’all of this possible’’.
Major highlights of the grand ceremony was the colourful parade of honour students and deserving staff members as they took turns to receive their awards.
Atiku Abubakar, his wife Titi and BoT Chairman, Akin Kekere-Ekun
Speaking after being honoured, Alhaji Atiku had reflected thus: ‘’In a way it is difficult to believe that this is the 10thFounder’s Day of this dream we call AUN, the American University of Nigeria, Yola. The years have passed rather quickly. But they have been very memorable, challenging and rewarding years. That we have turned this wilderness, in the middle of nowhere, so to say, into this high quality centre of learning, character moulding and community service is truly amazing. I thank all those who have contributed in one way or another to the immense progress already made here. In that period we have transformed many lives not only of the students and staff who have traversed these campuses but also those in the local community and beyond.
‘’My dear friends, I have a dream that our Academy and our University will continue to grow and prosper, but in my dream, they are surrounded by thousands of public and private schools and universities that share our civic commitment, that emulate our thirst for knowledge, and that compete for the best and brightest students. Because those students they deserve to have a choice, and because there are too many problems for us to solve, and because we can’t solve them and have a future unless our youth believe they can build one.’’
He also used the opportunity to solicit ‘’the support not just AUN, but education reform.
Education reform
We must persuade federal, state, and local authorities to provide universal, free, and valuable basic education; we must convince lawmakers, teachers, and unions to encourage competition among schools; and we must encourage government and the private sector to give public universities the leeway, and the ways and means to catch up with their international peers.’’
The former Vice President also reflected on the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgents and a dwindling economy, just as he expressed satisfaction at the response of the university to continue operate in spite of these. ‘’The journey has certainly been bumpy. We have faced numerous challenges, with each year bringing its chaunique challenges.
Looking back, however, I am relieved that we have braved another challenging year since the last Founder’s Day. The insurgency in the North East, which has had devastating effects on thousands of people, tested our resolve – but it also confirmed that we the AUN community can respond to mistrust and cruelty with care and love.
‘’Looking ahead, there are still plenty of clouds, but they pale in comparison to the silver lining on the horizon. Insecurity is still pervasive, but the terrorists are no longer growing in strength, thanks to the sacrifice and commitment of the security and intelligence services, the decisive leadership of the senior defence staff and their Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the support and cooperation of the local communities and regional allies, including Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
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