AUN is the right place to pursue your higher education

Let me warmly welcome you to the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) at the American University of Nigeria (AUN).  Irrespective of what degree you will pursue here at AUN you will do a number of courses from SAS.  All the General Education courses are located in SAS.

Our aim is that you leave AUN, not just with a degree, but with a well-rounded education to prepare you for life.  

The School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) is the largest of the five schools at AUN.  We provide a range of degrees: in Natural and Environmental Sciences, Petroleum Chemistry, Economics, Politics and International Studies, English Language and Literature, and Communications and Multimedia Design.  In addition, within some of these, you may choose a particular concentration; for example, in Politics and International Studies you may choose to specialize in International Relations or Public Administration or Peace and Conflict Resolution, or you may choose to pursue a mix of subjects within politics and international studies to suit your own personal interests. 

The degree you choose to study for does not necessarily mean that you will pursue a career in that subject area.  You may choose to do just that.  On the other hand, a university education equips you for many different walks of life.  In my own career, I personally have worked with colleagues with a vast range of degrees, for example, in law, medicine, sciences, history, English, politics, public administration, business administration, languages.  My own primary degree is in philosophy.  Skills you will learn here include critical thinking, oral and written communication, applying knowledge to real life problems, and time management.  These skills will equip you to work in many different careers; for example, the civil service, business, politics, writing, teaching, and many, many more. 

We have faculty with experience of studying and/or teaching abroad.  We continuously upgrade the teaching skills of our faculty so that our students are well-rounded and well-prepared for life when they leave us.    In the science courses, we have up-to-date laboratories in which students engage in research. 

SAS also provides various supports to students.  These include the Writing Centre which helps students who have problems with writing essays, for example.  They also organize various activities like reading club, grammar exercises, and various study techniques sessions. 

There is also a Mathematics Centre which offers assistance to students who are struggling in their various mathematics courses.  A good number of the brilliant and best students in mathematics act as tutors in the Centre.

Your education and development take place as much outside the classroom as in it.  There are many societies and organizations that you can participate in.  I strongly urge you to get involved in some of these.  In fact, some of our students establish new societies to fill the gaps they see.  Many of these are also involved with the local communities.    These, too, are a learning ground, which ensures your education and development is as good as possible. 

You will find faculty that are approachable, accessible and dedicated to helping you get the most of your time here at AUN.  Each faculty member is available for at least six hours a week to help and/or advise students.

So, as you can see, in SAS you will experience the full gamut of university life.  We look forward to four exciting and productive years together.  It is important that you enjoy your time here at AUN, as well as learn; balance is the keyword.

Patrick Fay

Dean, School of Arts and Sciences.