American University of Nigeria Celebrates New Graduate Class Amidst Encouraging Remarks
Vice-Chancellor Kashim Shettima praised the American University of Nigeria (AUN) for its commitment to education, particularly in the graduation of 12 young women from Chibok. He emphasized that this achievement reflects education’s potential as a long-term solution to extremism.
This message was conveyed on behalf of the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Saeed, during AUN’s 17th Graduation Ceremony held in Yola, Adamawa State. Although Shettima could not attend due to national obligations, she expressed her deep pride in the graduates via her speech.
In his address, the Vice President highlighted the distinction between performance excellence and the consistent, results-oriented standards upheld by AUN. He champions the university as Nigeria’s premier private institution and a benchmark for values-based education that resonates with African realities.
Shettima commended the vision of AUN’s founders alongside the Board of Directors and the diligent efforts of the faculty and management team who have kept that vision vibrant over the years. He underscored that the graduation ceremony signifies more than mere academic achievement, marking progress against the background of past adversities.
Reflecting on the Chibok graduates, Shettima recalled the traumatic abduction incident from over a decade ago, characterizing it as a national wound. He declared their graduation in diploma gowns a symbol of healing, representing the culmination of determined hard work that once seemed insurmountable.
He articulated AUN’s philosophy as one of faith in institutional values rather than mere charity, aiming to empower its students through equitable opportunities that celebrate their abilities instead of the violence that marked their past. “Your country is watching you. Your country is proud of you,” he affirmed to the graduates.
Seizing the moment, the Vice President encouraged Nigerian universities to participate in AUN’s Chibok Scholarship Program, framing it as a model for leveraging education as a tool for security and a sustainable countermeasure against extremism.
Education Policy Initiatives and Technological Innovations Highlighted
Shettima outlined President Bola Tinubu’s education policy, grounded in the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). This initiative aims to enhance learning outcomes, reinforce accountability, expand access, and cultivate human capital essential for Nigeria’s future economic landscape.
Moreover, he shed light on the National EdTech Strategy crafted in conjunction with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. This strategy envisions technology as a foundational component rather than an auxiliary element, outlining a framework that adapts to the rapid evolution of jobs and higher education influenced by artificial intelligence.
Addressing the Talent Gap in the Nigerian Economy
Transitioning to economic matters, Shettima discussed the pressing shortage of technology talent in Nigeria. He cautioned that the widening gap between academic institutions and industry is exacerbating this talent deficit. He referenced a recent dialogue among fintech executives facing challenges in filling numerous local positions.
While acknowledging that skilled Nigerian engineers are attracted to global opportunities, he reiterated that structural gaps remain significant. Despite universities producing substantial numbers of graduates, many do not possess the specific skill sets that industries demand, and the feedback mechanisms with the private sector are insufficient to address these discrepancies.
In light of this, Shettima urged AUN to formalize and broaden its partnerships with industry players to create a sustainable talent pipeline. He emphasized the need for technology and fintech firms to collaborate closely, updating curricula in real time to match industry requirements.
He assured attendees that the Ministry of Education stands ready to assist in constructing this necessary infrastructure. Directing his remarks to the Class of 2026, he highlighted that their education represents a significant investment for families and institutions alike, and Nigeria must maximize this investment by tackling national challenges such as public service, technology, health, agriculture, and policy. “Be that Nigerian,” he encouraged them.
In closing, Shettima congratulated AUN’s leadership, faculty, and students for maintaining global standards in challenging circumstances, reinforcing the idea that the graduates can contribute significantly as partners in the federal government’s vision to advance Nigeria.
