Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has told young graduates that patience and courage are important values that bring long-term rewards. He gave this advice during the graduation ceremony of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which he founded in Yola.

Speaking to the Class of 2025, Atiku shared how these values helped him succeed in life. He recalled a time when he refused a political offer during military rule because it was not earned fairly. Later, in 1999, he became Nigeria’s Vice President through a proper election. “Patience is not weakness,” he said. “It is a strength of the wise.”

He also spoke about the power of education to change lives. Atiku said he started AUN in 2003 to help young people learn how to think critically and create positive change in the world.

The President of AUN, Dr. DeWayne Frazier, also addressed the graduates. He explained that the university follows the American style of education, which focuses on preparing students for a fast-changing world. He said AUN helps students become lifelong learners and ready for the future.

Dr. Frazier also highlighted that one special part of AUN’s teaching style is its focus on entrepreneurship. Students are encouraged to think like business leaders and problem solvers.

Over 200 students, most of them undergraduates, officially graduated during the event.

AUN’s graduation ceremony was not just a celebration—it was also a reminder of how education, patience, and courage can lead to success.