BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

GRADUATES of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, have returned home in a collective effort to experience firsthand the transformative power of a great education acquired from an institution linked to an intellectual community that spans the world with strong ties to the United States.

AUN hosted graduates from 2009, 2010 and 2011 at its inaugural homecoming from October 24 to 29.

Regarded as the first of its kind not only in Nigeria, but indeed all of Africa, many graduates of the institution including those in top graduate schools abroad, participated in the several developmental activities lined up for the homecoming. Another group of graduates involved in the events is the AUN Alumni Corps — those who opted to serve the university before proceeding to graduate studies or the national youth service.

AUN was founded in 2005 by former embattled Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with a distinguished Board that includes revered South African Nobel Peace winner, Bishop Desmond Tutu, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, and a former head of the US National Science Foundation.

After a brush with some teachers’ sent to Yola by the American Peace Corps and was one of their students, whereby he developed independent thinking markedly different from learning by cramming and memorization, Atiku later made up his mind to bring that American style of education to Nigeria, particularly Yola, his home town where he first encountered the US Peace Corps.

AUN founder, Atiku Abukar

Mr. Dorsey Spencer, Director of Student Activities and Involvement, whose office anchored the homecoming activities explained that homecoming is the tradition in American Schools of Welcoming back alumni which is common in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America.

Among the activities featured in the homecoming include Residence Hall Decorating Contest, Mural Contest, Alumni Bonfire, Soccer and Polo Games, a Barbecue (BBQ), participation in the university’s on-going community service and the climax of which was the Mr. and Miss AUN Pageant.

All these events were handled and succesfully coordinated by the Campus Activities Board, (CAB) American University of Nigeria, ably supervised by VP Byron Bullock.

The AUN Academy Community Hall was filled up to the brim for the Homecoming Pageant with the alumni, students, faculty, friends, and well wishers in attendance.

There were eleven contestants that featured in the pageant beginning with an opening choreography by contestants – six boys and five girls.

They displayed unique, captivating dance steps to the unrelenting applause of the audience. It was followed by a performance by AUN’s best singer, Tonia-Zee. Then the contestants were introduced on stage in their native attires — according to their respective states of origin – Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Kwara, Edo, Adamawa.

They also appeared in Business outfits and casual outfits, while there were dance and singing performances by the Oxygen dance crew and Sydney (rapper) which electrified the audience, creating a lot of excitement.

The most awesome was the talent performance by contestants in which exhibited his or her natural potential in singing, dancing, story telling, and poem recitation.

These performances – some bizaare and unbelievable, amazing to say the least, got standing ovation from the audience.

The intellectual aspect of the pageant was when the contestants in Evening Wear mounted the stage in a Question-and-answer session.

Each was asked the same question, thus: What will you do if crowned Miss or Mr. AUN? The answers were as varied as the contestants themselves who were all studying in different faculties and departments.

For the males, some said they will encourage and help fellow citizens, will use the opportunity to offer community service and improve the talents of the children; create a socially relevant environment, stipulate socila gathering and interaction not only in AUN but all over the country.

Others said if crowned, they will encourage sports, especially Basket Ball, and help development of the mind; will ensure integrity among students and youth; involve in community work and help students; give back to the society in response to those who have given to us.

For the females, their answers were almost similar: To help and promote community service, do more for the pupils in schools; help kids to improve themselves; help to find solutions to so many issues in the world which people have not heard about; show love to victims of HIV/AIDS.

Others talked about the need to think globally; that they will not feel superior to other students; give attention to the health needs of students; encourage students to have community service awareness; be good ambassador of AUN; welcome challenges, be dedicated; will help AUN to achieve its vision and mission, and make it the best citadel of learning and research, be of good character and bring good results to the university.