Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized Nigeria’s education system, stating that the country’s focus on infrastructure projects is misplaced while millions of children remain out of school. Abubakar made these remarks at the 17th Founder’s Day celebration of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State.
He lamented that Nigeria has the largest population of out-of-school children globally, attributing this situation to poverty, insecurity, and neglect. His call for education reform comes as Nigeria grapples with challenges such as Boko Haram violence and a lack of emphasis on education and healthcare.
Abubakar emphasized that education is key to addressing these challenges and urged stakeholders to prioritize reform. He highlighted AUN’s commitment to providing quality education, noting its focus on liberal arts, technology, and community impact. He commended the university’s efforts in shaping leaders and driving sustainable growth in Africa.
During the event, Abubakar shared his personal journey, highlighting perseverance and courage in overcoming obstacles. He encouraged graduates to build with integrity, maintain independence in their businesses, and prioritize values.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Ambassador Muhammadou M.O. Kah, and AUN President Dr. DeWayne P. Frazier. Malami praised AUN for maintaining high academic standards and commended its founder for establishing an institution that nurtures talent and contributes to national development.
Ambassador Kah emphasized the critical importance of education in addressing Africa’s development challenges, urging institutions like AUN to shape leaders capable of driving sustainable growth. He noted that AUN has grown into a hub for leadership training, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence since its establishment in 2003, recognizing its commitment to innovation and community impact.
