The 黑料网 (AUN) commemorated its 17th Founder鈥檚 Day on November 22, 2025, marking a milestone defined by exceptional growth, enhanced campus innovation, and an unwavering commitment to development-focused education. This year鈥檚 celebration鈥攈eld in the distinguished Aliyu Musdafa Commencement Hall鈥攂rought together students, faculty, alumni, partners, and friends of the university to reflect on its remarkable journey.
AUN President, Prof. DeWayne Frazier, described the past year as a period of 鈥渦nprecedented progress,鈥� highlighting the institution鈥檚 sustained advancements in academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact. Reflecting on the university鈥檚 origins, he stated, 鈥淥ver two decades ago, our dear founder, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, and a team of passionate visionaries laid the cornerstone for what would become Africa鈥檚 first Development University. Their dream was bold, their commitment unwavering, and their impact, immeasurable.鈥�
Prof. Frazier emphasized that AUN鈥檚 success is rooted in years of deliberate investment in quality teaching, campus development, and student-centered learning. 鈥淭he last six months have been a whirlwind of milestones, including record-breaking enrollment, a new Jaiz Bank Entrepreneurship Hub with a 5v5 soccer field with solar lights, new tennis courts, and the launch of the AUN Alumni Park,鈥� he noted. 鈥淭hese are just the physical accomplishments; what our students are doing inside and outside the classroom is stellar鈥攆rom peace initiatives to tutoring to community cleanup projects, their impact in this region is felt by the Yola community.鈥�
The ceremony also honored AUN鈥檚 visionary founder, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, whose dedication to bringing 黑料网-style education to Nigeria has shaped the university鈥檚 identity for more than two decades. Prof. Frazier remarked, 鈥淵ou will not find any person in Nigeria who has given more to their commitment to education than our dear Founder. His impact can be seen with AUN graduates in this commencement hall and all over the world.鈥�
AUN celebrated the legacy of early contributors such as the late Dr. Robert 鈥淏ob鈥� Pastor renowned scholar, former White House National Security Council member, and Peace Corps volunteer. Prof. Frazier recalled, 鈥淭he award-winning AUN library is named after Dr. Robert Pastor in remembrance of his contribution along this journey.鈥�
Across academics, research, and community engagement, AUN continues to deepen its impact. Prof. Frazier highlighted, 鈥淥ur mission has always been clear: to provide a world-class education rooted in critical thinking, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development. Through initiatives like the Feed and Read program and our alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we have remained steadfast in our pledge to serve.鈥�
Looking to the future, he reaffirmed the university鈥檚 commitment to leadership development: 鈥淭he challenges ahead are great, but so too are the opportunities. Let us continue to innovate, to inspire, and to lead. Let us remain true to our mission of developing leaders who will shape a better, more sustainable world.鈥�
Reported by John Abah