Prof. Gambari
AUN Celebrates fourth Annual Founder’s Day:
Gambari takes AUN to UN
The American University of Nigeria on Saturday, 05
December 2009 celebrated its fourth Annual Founder’s
Day. The occasion, among other purposes, acknowledges
community support and reflects on progress made since
the establishment of the university. During the event,
prominent Nigerians and corporate organizations who have
distinguished themselves in their support to the
University were honored.
The Keynote Speaker and United Nations Under-Secretary
General, Professor Ibrahim Gambari expressed
satisfaction with what he has seen in the University.
“This University is clearly founded as an institution
for the pursuit of excellence. It has world class
resources within world class facilities. Your faculty is
well-trained, highly experienced, and of world
standards,” Professor Gambari said. He described AUN as
“the best kept secret in the Sub-Sahara Africa,”
promising to spread the secret more widely: “I would do
my part to spread the word about this great institution
at the United Nations,” Prof Gambari said
In a speech entitled “The Pursuit of Excellence in the
Task of Nation Building,” Professor Gambari re-echoed
the challenge to the students by Archbishop Emeritus
Desmond Tutu during the inaugural commencement ceremony:
“You have a huge responsibility to make Africa viable
and transparent,” and “My presentation to you today
continues in the same vein. I will reflect on how you
could carry out the huge task and responsibility
rightfully assigned to you by Archbishop Tutu.” He
argued that there are indeed intimate relationship
between excellence and nation-building.
He further said that the process of nation building was
similar to the pursuit of excellence as it embodied the
commitment of individuals, families, and communities
towards moving their country forward in positive
directions adding that individuals play an important
role in the founding and development of any nation. He
paid tribute to great men like Kemal Ataturk of Turkey,
Winston Churchill of Britain and Nelson Madela of South
Africa in the tasks of nation building. Professor
Gambari attributed excellence and nation building to
hard work, vision, mission and perseverance by
individuals: “In the real sense, therefore, excellence
and nation building are therefore the products of sweat
of outstanding individuals,” he said adding that:
“Nations are built by outstanding individuals and
sustained by collective institutions.”
The Registrar, Mr. Ron Greene recognized and applauded
the December 2009 graduating class and students (with
honors) who have earned a cumulative grade points
average of 3.5 and above.
AUN also honored staff and faculty for their dedication
and excellence. In recognition for their outstanding
dedication and commitment to service and the principles
and ideals of AUN, Ms. Bettina Espe, Vice President,
Finance and Administration recognized recipients in
three departments: Anthonia Ifeoma Ogbu from Finance and
Administration, Francis Bugudu Chaming from IT
department, and Dahiru Adamu from Works and Maintenance.
Professor Bayo Lawal, Interim Academic Vice President
set the tone for the faculty awards. He introduced the
respective deans of schools to present the award to the
recipients. The faculty award recipients were: Angus
Unegbu from school of Business and Entrepreneurship,
Felix Bollou from school of IT and Communications and
Dr. Uzoma Okorie from the school of Arts and Sciences.
Professor Lawal thereafter presented the Community
Service Award to Professor Adeleke Adegboye in
recognition for outstanding service to the University
and Community.
Dr. Conrad Festa, Interim President expressed
appreciation to the Founder for the wisdom in founding
the American University of Nigeria: “Through his wise
and generous leadership and using the best practices of
leading American universities, the American University
of Nigeria was established,” Dr. Festa said adding that
the specific goals for the University were to provide
the highest quality education for Nigerian youths, who
would be well trained to be productive citizens of
Nigeria, leaders equipped with the knowledge and values
necessary in business, professions and government.
Dr. Conrad Festa presenting the Business and Education Partner Award
to GTBank
The University paid tribute to an organization that has supported
its growth and development through financial backing. Dr. Conrad
Festa presented the second Business and Education Partner Award to
Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. He also presented the Founder’s Award to
two prominent donors in recognition of their philanthropic
commitment and persistent support towards the educational
advancement of American University of Nigeria. The founder’s award
recipients were: Mr. Peter Okocha and Mr. Gabriele Volpi.
The Founder, H.E. Atiku Abubakar in his speech emphasized his vision
of creating a world-class, American styled institution that offers
quality education to the youths.
He said the style of doing things in the right way was what made the
difference, adding that rewarding excellence was the major
motivation for the establishment of the school.
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