About American University of Nigeria, the Region and the Country
American University of Nigeria
As Africa’s first Development University, the mission of the American University of Nigeria (AUN)
is to promote service learning and to educate leaders who will be prepared to tackle the
development issues of Nigeria and Africa. AUN takes advantage of the latest in Internet
technology and e-learning resources to make education more accessible, affordable and efficient
while promoting sustainability on the edge of the advancing Sahara. With a strong emphasis on
community outreach and development, AUN has become a beacon for peace and stability in a
region shaken by violence and conflict.
AUN is led by president Dr. Margee Ensign and a board of trustees comprised of international
leaders. Founded in 2004 by the former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, AUN offers the
only American style education in Sub-Saharan Africa and is a member of the Association of
American International Colleges and Universities.
The Region
AUN is located in Yola, Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria.
•
•
•
The town of approximately 100,000 is half Muslim and half Christian, and boasts a history
of peaceful interaction between the two groups.
In the past three years, violence related to Boko Haram and associated groups has
increased, especially in the neighboring state of Borno.
The government declared a state of emergency in May 2013 for three northeastern states
(Adamawa, Borno and Yobe) that still stands.
The region is one of the poorest and least educated in the country.
The Country
Nigeria is the most-populous country in Africa and the eight-largest in the world with a
population of more than 177 million people.
•
•
•
•
A complex society, Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, 500 languages and two dominant
religions – Islam and Christianity.
With over 63 percent of the population below the age of 24 today, Nigeria is projected to
become the third most-populous country in the world by 2050, stressing economic and
social resources.
Nigeria has the most out-of-school children in the world, close to 11 million in total.
The adult literacy rate in Nigeria is just 51 percent.
Conover + Gould Strategic Communications is sending this information on behalf of the American University of
Nigeria. Additional information is on file with the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, District of Columbia.