From Idu Jude, Abuja
Labour Party leader and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi is set to deliver this year’s Convocation lecture at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State.
The lecture, which will take place during the 16th Founder’s Day/20th Convocation of the University, follows Obi’s recent public speeches at notable educational institutions globally, including Harvard University, Yale University, Wharton University in Pennsylvania, USA, and Peace University earlier this year.
A statement from the office of the founder of the University, Atiku Abubakar, revealed that the 16th Founder’s Day lecture will be the highlight of the activities marking the University’s 20th anniversary.
Over the past 20 years, the numerous community service and outreach projects carried out by students, alumni, faculty, and staff have earned AUN a spot among the top three Nigerian universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 Global Impact Ranking.
Professor DeWayne Preston Frazier, President of AUN, extended an official invitation to Mr. Peter Obi as the keynote speaker, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to Nigerian public service and his advocacy for education.
“I am highly pleased and honored to announce that the former Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, CON, will be our keynote speaker. Mr. Obi is an accomplished public servant who has dedicated much of his life to providing quality leadership and service to Nigerians. He is a champion of education and will be an excellent speaker to celebrate our 20 years,” said Dr. Frazier in his message to the AUN community.
Mr. Obi will join a distinguished group of individuals who have delivered foundation lectures at AUN in the past, including Dr. Paul Vita, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Gilbert Bukenya, Professor Charles Soludo, Tulane University Professor Dr. William Bertrand, President Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan University, and Professor Steven Titus.