During the 42nd matriculation ceremony held at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), President DeWayne Frazier encouraged new students to embrace change and actively pursue opportunities as they begin their academic endeavors.
Mr. Frazier issued this advice on Monday, as reported in a statement released to PREMIUM TIMES.
The ceremony celebrated the formal admission of students to the Classes of 2028, 2029, and 2030, and it also marked the official beginning of the Spring 2026 semester at the university.
In his remarks to the newly admitted students, the AUN president congratulated them while urging them to pursue their academic and personal aspirations with dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose.
“This matriculation signifies the start of a transformative period in your lives,” he stated. “Your time at the American University of Nigeria will not only shape your futures but also contribute significantly to national growth through your pursuit of higher education.”
Highlighting the university's commitment to growth, Mr. Frazier commended Atiku Abubakar, the founder of AUN and a former vice president, for his vision and ongoing investment in education. He noted that the admission of these new students constitutes a significant milestone in the 23-year history of AUN, which is dedicated to development.
The president shared that the university is currently enhancing its infrastructure, which includes new student accommodations and plans for establishing a medical school, which are well underway.
Citing Nelson Mandela, he reminded the students that true success comes from resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks. He framed the matriculation as a valuable opportunity for growth, learning, and excellence.
“The university expects you to uphold its core values: excellence, integrity, freedom, respect, equality, and service. These values are crucial in nurturing ethical leaders capable of affecting positive change in Africa and beyond,” he explained.
The administration reaffirmed its dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and character development, ensuring students of a supportive learning atmosphere that fosters critical thinking and leadership skills. He also encouraged students to engage with their studies with an open mindset, curiosity, and bravery, promising them that the institution is prepared to assist them throughout their educational journey.
In a reflection of the university's growing global perspective, Daniel Okereke, the Registrar and Vice President for Administration, presented the matriculating students. He highlighted the international composition of the new cohort, which includes students from the Republic of Chad, Japan, South Africa, and Cameroon, alongside representatives from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
“This broad representation underscores AUN's commitment to inclusivity, unity, and equitable access to quality education,” he articulated, praising university leadership for efforts to expand AUN's influence and improve its reputation both nationally and internationally.
Further emphasizing its commitment to enhancing educational access and postgraduate offerings, the university also announced a new partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This collaboration aims to enroll graduate students from various tertiary institutions across the North-east, thereby boosting academic capacity, research outputs, and human capital development in the region.
On the same day, the university organized an orientation for the newly enrolled graduate students, aimed at familiarizing them with the university's academic structure, policies, and available support services and resources.
Mohammed Zakari, President of the Student Government Association, also addressed the students, urging them to dream big and step outside their comfort zones. He encouraged them not to fear failure, as setbacks can provide valuable insights that lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
“Embrace the cultural diversity that enriches the AUN experience and foster meaningful connections with peers from varied backgrounds,” Mr. Zakari advised, as the event concluded with the administering of the matriculation oath, officially integrating the students into the AUN academic community and signaling the commencement of a new chapter in their education.
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