The American University of Nigeria (AUN) community stands in mourning with former Provost and Interim President, Professor Attahiru Yusuf, following the heartbreaking loss of members of his family in a devastating automobile accident in Abuja.
In a deeply emotional message to the AUN community, the University President shared that Professor Yusuf’s family suffered an unspeakable tragedy on May 9, 2025. The accident claimed the lives of two of his sons, Waleed, 22, and Bappa, 19, as well as his 14-year-old nephew, Muhammad. Another nephew, a recent AUN graduate who was scheduled to participate in this week’s Commencement ceremony, remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
The President described the tragedy as a heavy blow to all members of the AUN community who have had the honor of working with Prof. Yusuf and knowing his family. He reflected on the young men as bright, respectful, and full of promise.
“As we try to make sense of this painful loss, we turn to faith and the strength of our community. As the Holy Quran teaches us, ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un’—Surely, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” said President Frazier.
He urged the entire AUN community to keep the Yusuf family in their thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.