Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, is set to deliver the convocation lecture of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State, on Saturday.
This event coincides with the university’s 20th-anniversary celebration.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Reach.
According to Umar, Obi’s keynote address during the institution’s 16th Founder’s Day aligns with his history of delivering thought-provoking lectures at prestigious global institutions such as Harvard and Yale Universities.
The event will also honor AUN’s founder and former Vice-President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for his contributions to education and human development.
“The 16th Founder’s Day lecture will be the centerpiece of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the American-style Development University,” Umar said.
He emphasized the university’s mission to educate students to tackle Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
Over its two decades of existence, AUN has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s top universities, ranking among the top three in “Times Higher Education’s” 2024 global impact rankings for community service and outreach projects.
The institution has also expanded its academic programs and partnerships, including hosting the American Window in Nigeria’s northeast.
This initiative provides students and the public with access to information on U.S. scholarships and research opportunities.
AUN President, Prof. DeWayne Frazier, expressed his excitement about Obi’s participation, describing him as a “champion of education and an accomplished public servant.”
“We are honored to welcome Mr. Peter Obi as our keynote speaker.
His dedication to quality leadership and his passion for education make him the ideal figure to celebrate our 20 years,” Frazier said.
Obi joins a distinguished list of previous Founder’s Day speakers at AUN, including Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Prof. Charles Soludo, and former Ugandan Vice-President Dr. Gilbert Bukenya.
The university, established in 2003, remains committed to fostering academic excellence and addressing developmental challenges across Africa.
NAN
