Obi delivers convocation lecture as Atiku’s American University clocks 20

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, will, on Saturday, deliver the convocation lecture of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, as the institution marks 20 years anniversary.

Spokesman for Peter Obi Media Reach, Ibrahim Umar, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, indicated that Obi’s keynote address at the university’s 16th Founder’s Day falls in line with his public speeches in notable educational institutions globally, including Harvard University, and Yale University, among others.

Umar said that the occasion would also be used to honour the Founder of the university and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for his numerous contributions to the society, especially his advancement of education and human development.

“The 16th Founder’s Day lecture will be the highlight of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the American-style Development University.

“In the university, students are educated to direct their learning and research outcomes toward addressing the socio-economic challenges of the African continent.

“In the 20 years of its establishment, the numerous community service and outreach projects executed by students, alumni, faculty, and staff have earned the Development University a spot among the top three Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education (THE’s) 2024 global impact ranking.

“Since its establishment in 2003, AUN has significantly expanded its academic programmes and affiliations with foreign institutions,” he said.

According to him, the university presently hosts the American Window in the north-east zone where students and members of the public can access relevant information about scholarship and research opportunities in the United States.

In his message, the President of AUN, Prof. DeWayne Frazier, welcomed Obi as the keynote speaker and conveyed to him the appreciation of the AUN community for his acceptance of the invitation.

“I am pleased and honoured to announce that the former Executive Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, will be our keynote speaker.

“Mr Obi is an accomplished public servant and politician who has spent most of his life providing quality leadership and service to Nigerians.

“He is a champion of education and will be an excellent speaker to celebrate our 20 years,” Frazier said.

On this development, Obi has joined an elite cast of global personalities who had delivered the institution’s Founder’s Day lecture.

They included: Dr Paul Vita (2019), Prof. Ibrahim Gambari (2009), Bishop Mathew Kukah (2011), former Ugandan Vice-President, Dr Gilbert Bukenya (2013) and Prof. Charles Soludo (2012) and Prof. William Bertrand of Tulane University (2014).

NAN