National Leader of the Labour Party (LP) and the party’s presidential flag bearer in the February 25, 2023 election, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, is to deliver this year’s convocation lecture of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State.
The 16th Founder’s Day/20th Convocation Lecture of AUN to be delivered by Mr. Obi comes as another in the series of public speeches he has delivered this year in notable educational institutions globally, including Harvard University, Yale University, Wharton University, Pennsylvania all in the United States, and Peace University.
According to a statement from the office of the founder of the University, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 16th Founders Day Lecture will be the highlight of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the American-style Development University.
Twenty years since its founding, the numerous community service and outreach projects executed by students, alums, faculty and staff have earned the Development University a spot among the top three Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education (THE’s) 2024 global impact ranking, the statement added.
President of AUN, Professor DeWayne Preston Frazier, in an official invite, acknowledged Mr. Peter Obi as keynote speaker and conveyed to him the appreciation of the AUN Community for his acceptance of the invitation.
“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 and politician who has spent most of his life providing quality leadership and service to Nigerians.
“He is a champion of education and will be an excellent speaker to celebrate our 20 years”, Dr. Frazier said in a message to the Community.
Mr. Peter Obi joins an array of personalities across the local and International who have delivered foundation lectures of the university in the past, including Dr. Paul Vita, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah and former Ugandan Vice President, Dr. Gilbert Bukenya.
Others are Professor Charles Soludo, Tulane University Professor, Dr. William Bertrand and President Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan University, Professor Steven Titus.