Look For Ways To Earn Money That You Will Depend On Your Own Feet – Atiku to AUN

Look for ways to earn money that you will depend on your own feet – Atiku to AUN

From Shafi’u Saleh

The American University in Nigeria (AUN), held a 20th anniversary celebration and a birthday celebration for the former vice president and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at the main conference hall, in Yola on Saturday.

Speaking at the ceremony former Vice President Atiku Abubakar GCON, (Waziri Adamawa), advised the management of the university to look for ways to generate revenue that would enable it to be established on its feet.

Read his full speech “it is with immense pride and profound gratitude that I stand before you today, on this special occasion of Founder’s Day, to celebrate not only my birthday but, more importantly, a remarkable milestone in our journey—the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria. This annual event (The Founder’s Day) has always served as a time for reflection, progress review, and a celebration of the vision that sparked the inception of this esteemed institution.

“As we gather here today, I am reminded of the significance of this day. It serves as a philosophical beam that guides the trajectory of our university in both the short and long term. It is a moment to recognize the dedication and commitment of everyone who has contributed to this extraordinary journey—a journey that began two decades ago with a dream that has since blossomed into a vibrant educational hub, encompassing seven schools and offering nearly thirty diverse degree programs.

“Over the years, we have witnessed a transformation that is not just physical in nature but also deeply impactful in the lives we touched. Each achievement we celebrate today reflects the extraordinary talent, unwavering determination, and passion of our remarkable faculty, diligent staff, inspired students, and supportive Board of Trustees. Together, we have created a haven for education, culture, and community, nurturing critical thinkers and compassionate leaders poised to shape the future of our society.

“On this special occasion, I would like to take a moment to honour the visionary leadership of our late Pioneer Chairman of the AUN Board, Alhaji Ahmed Joda. Alhaji Joda was not just a leader; he was a beacon of wisdom and integrity who played a crucial role in leading the Board of this institution. His unwavering commitment to education and development in Nigeria was instrumental in shaping the foundations of AUN. We carry his legacy with us as we continue to pave the path he placed us on. Our deep gratitude goes to Mr. Joda for his exceptional contributions and the indelible mark he left on this university.

“Additionally, I want to express our profound gratitude to the American University Washington DC in general, but more specifically to a co-visioner of this University, my friend and associate, late Professor Robert Pastor, who provided, in partnership with his colleague, Emeritus Dean Louis Goodman, all the intellectual foundation for setting up this University. Both of these eminent personalities have given the AUN Board more than their best and we remain grateful to them. While we have immortalised the names of some of these amazing individuals, the AUN still owes a debt of specific recognition that commemorates the contributions of all the foundational members of the University’s Board.

“Notwithstanding this, however, let me take this opportunity of AUN’s 20th Anniversary to convey our gratitude to all the previous members of the Board of Trustees who have served AUN over the last 20 years. Their dedication, foresight, and steadfast leadership have guided this university through periods of challenges and triumphs. Each of them has played a vital role in nurturing AUN from its infancy to the thriving institution it is today. Their collective insights, brilliant governance, and unwavering support have been pivotal in our growth and success.

“As we celebrate our past, however, we must also recognize that our journey is far from complete. For the American University of Nigeria, this 20th anniversary is truly just the beginning. The seeds we planted in 2004 do not have a “used by” date; they carry no expiry time. Universities are not static entities; they endure and continuously reinvent themselves, adapting to the ever-evolving needs and challenges of society.

“How can we ensure that AUN remains a beacon of innovation and service moving forward?

“First and foremost, we must focus on making AUN a truly sustainable university. This entails a concerted effort from our Board, Governing Council, and Management to widen our funding sources. As a not-for-profit establishment, diversifying our financial foundations is key to ensuring the continued growth and stability of our beloved institution.

“We can explore various avenues for this diversification:

Alumni Engagement: Actively involving our alumni in fundraising initiatives can harness their passion and success stories, encouraging them to give back to the university that contributed to their journeys.

Corporate Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with local and international businesses can provide financial support, sponsorships, and collaborative programs that enhance our educational offerings while generating additional funding.

Grant Opportunities: We must seek out and apply for grants from governmental organizations, foundations, and international bodies that align with our mission and vision. This can significantly bolster our resources.

Continuing Education Programs: Developing professional development and continuing education programs can attract working professionals seeking to enhance their skills, generating revenue while serving the community.

Research Funding: Establishing research initiatives that attract funding from external sources, including private sector investments and grants for innovative projects, will contribute to our financial sustainability.

Fundraising Events: Organizing fundraising events and campaigns can engage the community and increase awareness about the importance of supporting a not-for-profit educational institution.

Endowment Funds: AUN must seek for and cultivate Philanthropists and highly spirited individuals and organisations at home and abroad who will provide generous endowments that will provide supplementary income for operations or programs that are consistent with the wishes of the donor.

“In addition to these financial strategies, we must address a crucial aspect of our academic offerings: agriculture. As a Development University, AUN’s impact will continue to be hindered by its apparent delay in tsking up agricultural studies in its current lineup of Schools. Given the preponderance of agriculture in the local economy of our host communities, we need to get bold and plunge into this vital sector.

“I urge the Board and the Governing Council to look keenly into sourcing funding for the establishment of a School of Agriculture, by whatever name we choose to call it. By doing so, we can empower our students to engage with and enhance the agricultural landscape, contributing to food security and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, we must emphasize that AUN remains true to its identity as an American institution. The American system of education is the bedrock upon which AUN is founded, and it is imperative that we do nothing to dilute this focus or allow it to be eroded by any considerations. The principles of academic rigor, intellectual freedom, and a commitment to excellence should continue to guide our educational practices, ensuring that we provide an authentic American educational experience here in Nigeria.

“Community engagement is paramount as well. By forming strong ties and collaborating on projects with local communities, we can better understand the needs of society and apply our research to real-world problems, fostering a reciprocal relationship that benefits both the university and the communities we serve.

As we look to the future, let us consider specific strategies that AUN can implement to adapt to the ever-evolving challenges facing Nigeria. Developing a responsive curriculum in collaboration with industry leaders and governmental organizations will ensure our students possess the skills needed to thrive in the job market. Focusing on sustainable development through initiatives in renewable energy, agriculture, and resource management will empower our graduates to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues.

Promoting entrepreneurship through incubators and innovation hubs will inspire our students to create businesses that not only succeed but also address the unique needs of our communities. We must also harness the power of technology, integrating advanced learning management systems and digital resources to enhance accessibility and streamline educational processes, thus making learning more inclusive than ever.

Furthermore, establishing interdisciplinary research centres that address urbanization, economic development, and healthcare challenges will position AUN as a thought leader, enabling impactful research while actively engaging our students in meaningful projects. Emphasizing civic responsibility and leadership training will equip our graduates with the tools necessary to drive positive change in their communities.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you—your unwavering support, dedication, and belief in our vision are the lifeblood of AUN. As we look forward together, let us engage with renewed vigour, passion and commitment, shaping the future of education in Nigeria and inspiring generations to come.

Thank you for being an integral part of this extraordinary journey. Here’s a toast to the next chapter of success, sustainability, and transformative impact at the American University of Nigeria!