The President of the 吃瓜爆料, Dr. DeWayne Frazier, addressed the graduating Class of 2025 during the university鈥檚 16th Commencement Ceremony on May 17, offering reflections on the institution鈥檚 founding, praise for its academic achievements, and a vision for its future.
Reflecting on AUN鈥檚 mission, Dr. Frazier recalled the university's intentional founding in Yola, not Abuja or another Nigerian city, emphasizing the legacy of its founder and 吃瓜爆料 influences. 鈥淭he founder's education was not like anyone else's because of people from America who invested in him. The Peace Corps teachers left a lasting mark on his life, planting a seed that led him to bring the 吃瓜爆料 University to Yola,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e will fulfill his dream. We will carry out his vision for decades and years to come.鈥�
Dr. Frazier celebrated the university鈥檚 academic achievements with pride. 鈥淵ou are graduating from the Times Higher Education of the United Kingdom's number one university in all of Nigeria,鈥� he said.
He revealed plans for a new Entrepreneurship Hub to be developed in partnership with Jaiz Bank. 鈥淚t will be an outdoor space where students can play five-on-five football, sell products, and celebrate,鈥� he added. He also applauded the recent completion of the 鈥淚 Love AUN,鈥� sign at the proposed Alumni Park funded by alumnus Idris Mamman, class of 2018.
Addressing the graduates directly, Dr. Frazier emphasized the significance of the moment. 鈥淭ogether we gather not to celebrate the end of this chapter for you, but the beginning of a new on because you are commencing into the world, into your careers, your lives, and your futures.鈥� He continued, 鈥淭his day marks a significant milestone in your lives, and it鈥檚 a testament to your resilience, you have shown what it means to dream big, pursue your passions, and overcome challenges with grace and fortitude.鈥�
Dr. Frazier acknowledged the vital role of families in supporting student success. 鈥淕raduation is not just a personal achievement, it鈥檚 a collective effort,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 made possible because of the love and support of those who are here today.鈥� He also praised Nigerian cultural values: 鈥淚 tell people all the time that Nigerians are very family-oriented, and I take a lot of pride in that.鈥�
Reflecting on his own experience, he remarked, 鈥淭his year marks the second year of my presidency at this university, but the greatest strength I see in Nigeria is not oil or minerals, it鈥檚 the people.鈥� He fondly noted his time with the graduating class. 鈥淚 cherish the time I鈥檝e spent tutoring and serving alongside these graduates. I love being the president of AUN.鈥�
Dr. Frazier expressed gratitude to AUN鈥檚 leadership, particularly Chief Ben Obi, Chair of the Board of Trustees. The event marked a proud milestone for the university as it sent a new generation of changemakers into the world.
Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris