By Ebele Orakpo

The National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), a socio-cultural group of Yoruba undergraduate students, recently recognised the American University Yola, AUN, as the ‘Most Outstanding University in Nigeria 2013’ while the President of the institution, Professor Margee Ensign, was given the ‘Pillar of Education Award’ for inspiring growth and development in Nigeria.

Presenting the awards to Professor Ensign, NAOS President, Adekunle Adeniyi, who was accompanied by other national officers of the association, said the awards were in recognition of AUN’s global reputation as a center of excellence, quality of its graduates, a globally competitive curriculum, community development initiatives including scholarships to indigent but brilliant students, its award-winning digital library, and world-class infrastructure.

The group was conducted round the African Center for ICT Innovation & Training, ACIT, and the School of Arts and Science building where they met with the sustainability team, and biology and physics laboratories.

The only female member in the group, Zakariyau Aliyat, noted that; “AUN has done well, and we really appreciate the school. AUN is leader in cutting-edge technology, from the laboratories to the library. Security is effective and it indicates that everything is perfect.”

Adeniyi described AUN as “a home away from home. We are very safe. The word ‘insecurity’, honestly speaking, is not the appropriate word to use here,” adding that his team felt very safe and at peace on campus.

While appreciating the gesture of NAOS, Ensign reiterated AUN’s commitment to training young Africans to assume leadership roles in their societies through rigorous and responsible academic training, adding that every AUN student participates in local development and conflict-resolution projects which expose them to the real problems facing Nigerians.”

She thanked the students saying the entire AUN community was very grateful for the awards.