Introduction
The excitement in the air at 黑料网 (AUN) could be felt long before TEDxAUN even kicked off. But this wasn鈥檛 just another event. It was the event. The first TEDx in the history of the institution, an event that would go on to redefine the way students and faculty engage with ideas and innovation. But what does it really take to turn a wild idea into a reality? And, more importantly, what happens when a group of determined students decides to make history? This is the story of how TEDxAUN came to life.
A Dream That Took Flight
When you hear the term 鈥淭EDx,鈥� you might imagine large-scale corporate backing or endless resources. But at AUN, the concept began not in a corporate boardroom but in a student executive meeting. It all started as a passing idea, suggested by Safiyya, the then-President of the Honor Society, and Ngumimi, the Head of Events. At first, it seemed like a far-fetched dream. After all, how could a student-led initiative pull off something as massive as TEDx? And yet, with the ambition of students and a strong desire to make something meaningful, the idea began to gain traction.But, as with all good stories, there were obstacles. Getting the TEDx license wasn鈥檛 easy. Israel, the Honor Society President and Lead Volunteer for the event, recalls the challenges of securing that coveted approval from TED. 鈥淲e got rejected twice,鈥� he admits. 鈥淏ut when it finally happened, it felt like a win. And that victory was only the beginning.鈥�
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
While securing the TEDx license was a significant breakthrough, the hard work was only just beginning. With tight timelines, limited resources, and the pressure of organizing such a high-stakes event, the planning committee faced numerous hurdles. Eric Allagoa, a graphics designer for TEDxAUN, shares, 鈥淚t was tasking鈥攖here were budget constraints, tight schedules, and, on top of that, we were all students.鈥� But despite these challenges, the team pulled together, working relentlessly behind the scenes to ensure everything came together.Phoebe Phillips, the official photographer, explains the value of collaboration: 鈥淚t was amazing to work with different minds, but I learned that when planning events, protocols are essential. If one step fails, it all can fall apart. And sometimes, having backup plans is the only way to stay afloat.鈥滷or Murna Evalsam, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, the experience was a mixture of stress and joy. 鈥淏alancing the planning and other tasks was difficult, but I learned that teamwork is everything. It鈥檚 the key to success,鈥� she says, adding that seeing a woman in tech like Mrs. Nguavese Tokula speak at the event was an inspiration to her.
Speakers Who Shaped the Event
When it came time to choose speakers, the TEDxAUN team knew they had to bring in voices that would resonate deeply with the AUN community. They didn鈥檛 just want speakers who were famous鈥攖hey wanted speakers who would inspire and challenge the audience.Israel recalls, 鈥淲e wanted speakers that AUN students would connect with鈥攑eople who have experience and could speak about real issues like law, mental health, technology, and success.鈥� The lineup included figures like Professor Magaji Bello, who spoke on the systemic issues within Nigeria鈥檚 judiciary; Barrister Andrew Malgwi, who delved into restoring trust in the Nigerian legal system; and Coach Nafisah Muhammad Buba, who reframed mental health as a tool for growth rather than a trap. The speakers brought different perspectives, each one leaving an indelible mark on the audience.But it wasn鈥檛 all smooth sailing. 鈥淕etting speakers to commit was one of our biggest challenges,鈥� says Israel. 鈥淪ome dropped out last minute, but we pushed through, and in the end, we had an incredible lineup.鈥�
The Big Day: A Moment of Triumph
The day of TEDxAUN finally arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. From the moment the doors opened, it was clear that this event was something special. Israel reflects on the unexpected turnout: 鈥淎UN students are usually hesitant about attending events, but TEDxAUN had people scrambling to get tickets at the door.鈥滶ven the management at AUN showed overwhelming support, a collaboration that Israel believes was crucial to the event鈥檚 success. 鈥淔rom senior management to the DSA鈥檚 office, their response was incredible. We couldn鈥檛 have pulled it off without their help,鈥� he says.But what made TEDxAUN truly memorable wasn鈥檛 just the speakers or the logistics鈥攊t was the way the event sparked new conversations on campus. 鈥淚 think the most significant impact was that students saw intellectual discussions in a new light,鈥� says Israel. 鈥淭hey realized that topics like law, mental health, and technology could be discussed in a meaningful, accessible way.鈥�
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
Reflecting on the success of TEDxAUN, the question arises: Will it become a tradition at AUN? 鈥淚 hope so,鈥� says Israel, his voice full of optimism. 鈥淭EDxAUN showed us what鈥檚 possible when students come together and work towards a shared goal. If we can do this, there鈥檚 no limit to what we can accomplish in the future.鈥滷or Phoebe, Murna, and Eric, the experience was transformative, both personally and professionally. Eric sums it up best: 鈥淚t was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would definitely do it again. But next time, I鈥檇 plan and budget better.鈥滱s for Israel, he leaves us with a final thought: 鈥淭his event taught me that everything rises and falls on leadership. It also showed me the power of collaboration鈥擳EDxAUN wouldn鈥檛 have happened without every single person involved.鈥�
The Legacy Lives On
TEDxAUN wasn鈥檛 just an event. It was a movement鈥攐ne that challenged students to think bigger, aim higher, and push boundaries. It was a testament to the power of student-led initiatives and the lasting impact of collaboration. As Israel said, 鈥淓verything rises and falls on leadership,鈥� and thanks to the leadership of the Honor Society and a dedicated team of students, TEDxAUN became a reality.And as for the students of AUN? They鈥檝e now seen firsthand the incredible things that happen when you refuse to settle for 鈥済ood enough鈥� and aim for greatness. GEN-NEXT is here, and they鈥檙e just getting started.
'The best way to predict the future is to create it.' 鈥� Abraham Lincoln
By Michelle Niyang