The American University of Nigeria (AUN) on Monday, September 2, 2019, marked the beginning of the Fall 2019 semester with the matriculation of new students who took the traditional AUN Community Pledge.

The colourful event which was attended by parents and relations of the matriculating students coincided with the University’s uninterrupted 29th semester and the official roll out of its recently approved six Engineering programmes.

AUN has enjoyed 14 years of academic continuity since it admitted the first batch of 124 students in the fall 2005 semester, a feat that excites the University President, Dr. Dawn Dekle.

“The number 29 is very significant. Twenty-nine semesters, even though we’ve had many challenges in North east Nigeria we have never closed our doors, nothing has ever forced us to close our doors, and we never will close our doors. Twenty-nine just means we are well and away to making 50, 75 and a 100.

“What a day, a very historic day for AUN. We have a record number of students, but more importantly, we have Engineering students for the first time. Now we are going to have female Engineers; so for AUN, we are very happy today because we are no longer the best kept secret in Nigeria,” Dekle said.

Among the new enrollees who formally kicked off their academic careers at AUN were four students from Chibok in the University’s New Foundation School. Three of them will be studying Communications & Multimedia Design (CMD); while one enrolled to study Natural & Environmental Sciences (NES).

Also among the students who took part in the Convocation and Pledge Ceremony were Master’s and doctoral students studying Computer Science, Information Systems and Business Administration.

All the new students had enthusiastically participated in their first Community Service the previous Saturday, rebuilding dilapidated classroom blocks at the Wuro Chekke Primary School in Yola South. Taking part in Community Service is a compulsory requirement for graduation at AUN.

President Dekle, who formally accepted the students into the AUN learning community, also guided them through the Community Pledge before she presented them with their class sashes.

“We welcome you with open arms and with the support you need to make your first year a success. If you commit to excellence, integrity and service, AUN core values, the unexpected would happen,” she said.

Prior to the presentation of sashes, President Dekle advised the students to be conscious of their actions.

“The plaque on the wall says: Life is a do-it-yourself project. Your life tomorrow would be the result of your attitude and the choices that you make today.”

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