Ugandan VP joins American University of Nigeria

Ugandan VP joins American University of Nigeria
Gloria Essien, Abuja       
                  

The Vice-President of Uganda, Professor Gilbert Balibaseka Bukenya, has joined the Board of Trustees of the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa state, northern Nigeria.

The president of AUN, Dr. Margee Ensign announced the appointment while reviewing activities leading to the institutions third graduation ceremony coming up on Sunday, 15 May 2011.

She said that the frontline academic and Vice-President, who represents Uganda’s Busiro North constituency in the national parliament, had accepted his nomination to the AUN board via a letter dated May 5, 2011 and issued from the Office of the Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda.

Invaluable

Dr. Ensign said that "American University of Nigeria was very proud that Dr. Bukenya has agreed to join the AUN Board, being an accomplished and visionary leader, public health professional and educator".

She noted that Ugandan’s contributions, participation and assistance will be invaluable as AUN expands its network and educational programmes and outreach throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Ensign, in a statement, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan Vice president for accepting the offer to serve the university.

In reply to his letter of nomination, Vice-President Bukenya said; “I am honoured to serve on the board of the University, especially based on my understanding and appreciation of the American education system. I therefore accept to be a member of the board.’’

The AUN

The American University of Nigeria opened its doors to its first students in 2005.

Founded by the former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, it is located in north-eastern Nigeria in Yola, the state capital of Adamawa state, the vice president’s home town.

Originally named the ABTI American University of Nigeria, the name was simplified to American University of Nigeria following discussions with American University in Washington, D.C.

This puts it in conformity with practices of other AU affiliates, such as the American University of Beirut and the American University of Paris.

AUN is the only such institution of higher learning in sub-Sahara Africa.

There have been three presidents in the first years of AUN’s development: Dr. David Huwiler, Dr. Michael Smith, and the current president, Dr. Margee Ensign.

Dr. Ensign came to the post having served as dean of the School of International Studies at the University of the Pacific, where she was also the associate provost

Iheanacho