The Fall Convocation & Pledge Ceremony is the official opening program of the new academic year, an important moment for the AUN learning community when we come together to celebrate our accomplishments, welcome our new students and parents, and reflect on our vision—Africa’s Development University. The event also serves as Matriculation Ceremony for the new students, both undergraduate and graduate.

This year’sÌýFallÌýConvocation & Pledge Ceremony is scheduledÌýto be held onÌýMonday,ÌýAugust 26, 2024,Ìýat theÌýLamido Aliyu Musdafa Commencement Hall.

Founder’s Day at the ºÚÁÏÍø celebrates the founding, development, and remarkable progress of our university. The ceremony in particular honors our Founder, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria for his vision in establishing this unique university-- Africa’s Development University. It also recognizes and celebrates the many accomplishments of its outstanding students, faculty and staff as well as our proud alumni.Ìý

Past Founder’s Day keynote speakers include:ÌýBishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese; Professor Charles Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; His Excellency Dr. Gilbert Bukenya, former Vice President of Uganda; Professor William Bertrand of Tulane University, New Orleans; SenatorÌýBen Murray-Bruce, Chairman of Silverbird Group;ÌýDr. Paul Vita, CEO ofÌýMadrid Campus of Saint Louis University, and Dr. Steven Titus, President Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan University.

This year’s Founder’s Day is the 16th in the series and is scheduled to be held onÌýSaturday, November 30, 2024.ÌýWe are honored to have His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi as our keynote speaker. Mr. Obi is the former Executive Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential Candidate for the Labor Party in the 2023 general elections.

Ìý

AUN ORIENTATION PROGRAM: AN OVERVIEW

We understand how acceptance into a university and beginning a new life comes with the fear of the unknown. However, leaving home for university is a lot more fun. It means you will be exploring a new place, making new friends and family, learning independence, and setting your own priorities. Yes, you are going to face enormous changes in a small amount of time--this can be both exciting and challenging. Years of experience have shown us that getting off to a great start at AUN includes attending the New Student Orientation.

The AUN Orientation program is designed to provide support to new students as they begin to lay the foundation for a new academic and social life at our university. It creates the opportunity to:

• Learn AUN values and get informed about university life.
• Find your way around the campus and check into residences.
• Foster and develop valuable friendships and connections that will boost academic success.
• Familiarize yourself with support services.
• Learn about student advising and enrol for semester courses.
• Get settled and begin classes promptly.

The orientation program also provides the opportunity to experience the special nature of undergraduate student life in a typical ºÚÁÏÍø-style institution. Orientation at AUN is managed by faculty and staff members but coordinated by student volunteers. These volunteers are available to make you feel at home, answer your questions, address your concerns, and share in your excitement.

Orientation days provide you with the required knowledge and skills to effectively manage your life as a university student and get you off to a good start. It’s your life, but we are here to help you live it better through hard work, fun, and life-changing opportunities. We are glad to welcome you to university life and we are certain that you will love the AUN experience.

Fall 2024 Orientation for new students begins Tuesday, August 27, 2024, with arrivals.

SIX TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

Following these six tips should make your transition process more manageable and productive:

01ÌýPlan to arrive on campus early.ÌýArriving at the University campus early for the Orientation is an all-important step every new student should take for a successful transition. Remember, many activities are planned for you, and these activities are to help you in your transition to ºÚÁÏÍø-style university life and study.

02ÌýRemember that all of you are new students.ÌýIf you're feeling shy, not sure how to approach people, or completely overwhelmed with the sheer number of students on campus, keep in mind that almost all new students are a little confused.

03ÌýEnsure you do your logistics-based tasks.ÌýGetting your student ID card, registering in a club of your choice, checking in to your residence hall, creating a school email and username, and registering for classes are the building blocks for the rest of your university experience. Get them settled as soon as possible.Ìý There is always help available.

04ÌýDon’t miss your placement exams.ÌýThis is an all-important examination and prerequisite for course registration.ÌýÌý See your Orientation Schedule.

05ÌýAttend as many activities as possible.ÌýConsider this: would you rather learn how to use the library, navigate around campus, and get acquainted with AUN’s Code of Conduct now, while relaxed and meeting new people, or later in the semester when you are stressed, tired, and backed up against a deadline for your classwork? ÌýAll of our orientation activities are planned to help your transition be smooth and stress-free, to help you succeed.

06ÌýAsk for help when - not if - you need it.Ìý Everyone on campus - staff, students, and faculty - knows that now is a time for learning new things and getting oriented. If you are not sure about something, don’t be shy. Make sure to just ask someone.

Don’t worry, in a few days of your arrival on campus, you will be so familiar with a campus life that the campus will feel like your second home.

AUN’S FIFTEENTH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

The Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony at the ºÚÁÏÍø is an annual event that celebrates the hard work and remarkable accomplishments of the graduating class-class of 2024.

The 2024 Commencement is the fifteenth in the series and is consists of three major segments: Senior Week, the Graduation Awards Ceremony, and the Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony.

SENIOR WEEK

The Senior Week comprises activities designed for the graduating seniors. These include Life After College and the Senior Ball which are organized to prepare the seniors for the challenges and opportunities of life after university, and also celebrate their amazing milestones!ÌýThe dates areÌýMonday,Ìý13 May through Friday, 17 May 2024.

GRADUATION AWARDS CEREMONY

The Graduation Awards Ceremony recognizes the academic accomplishments, dedication to service and outstanding contributions to civic engagements of our undergraduate and graduate students. This ceremony is in two parts: AUN Honor Society Awards Banquet and the Graduation Awards.

TheÌýAUN Honor Society Awards BanquetÌýis for the graduating members of the AUN Honor Society and it celebrates the exceptional services and exemplary leadership of graduating members of the Honor Society. The banquet is scheduled to be held onÌýThursday, 16 May 2024.

TheÌýGraduation Awards ceremonyÌýis for all members of the graduating class and their family members. At this ceremony, we will present nearly 50 awards, university and corporate, to members of the class. The event is scheduled to be held onÌýFriday, 17 May 2024.

COMMENCEMENT (GRADUATION) CEREMONY

The Commencement Ceremony is the grand finale as we confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees; and postgraduate diplomas to eligible candidates.ÌýÌý

The fifteenth Commencement Ceremony in honor of the class of 2024 is scheduled to be held onÌýSaturday, 18 May 2024.