Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly stated that the American University of Nigeria (AUN), located in Yola, was established with the intention of serving the local community rather than as a profit-driven enterprise. His remarks came in response to a social media inquiry regarding his efforts to improve the conditions of Almajiri children in northern Nigeria.

Atiku highlighted that if financial gain had been his primary goal, he would have chosen a more commercially advantageous location for the university, such as Abuja or Lagos. Instead, he opted for Yola, emphasizing his commitment to investing in the local populace and enhancing access to quality education in a region that has historically faced educational challenges. "I chose Yola because I wanted to invest in my people, create opportunities, and bring world-class education closer to a region that had long needed greater access and development," he stated.

In addition to clarifying the university's purpose, Atiku addressed concerns regarding the ownership of AUN. He asserted that he has taken significant steps to ensure that the institution belongs to the community it serves. "I have already signed a deed of gift transferring it to the community. AUN belongs to the community it was established to serve," he affirmed.

Atiku also pointed out various initiatives undertaken by AUN aimed at improving educational access for underprivileged children. One notable program is the Feed and Read initiative, which provides daily meals and basic literacy and numeracy lessons to vulnerable Almajiri children. This program is part of AUN's broader commitment to support disadvantaged youth in the region.

Furthermore, Atiku mentioned the Technology-Enhanced Learning for All program, which has successfully taught over 20,000 internally displaced children to read through educational radio broadcasts. He also recalled the university's efforts to support young women who escaped from Boko Haram, particularly those affected by the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, by awarding them scholarships.

The former vice president reiterated his dedication to addressing educational disparities, both during his time in office and in his ongoing philanthropic efforts. Atiku's defense of AUN underscores his belief in the institution's role as a catalyst for community development and educational advancement in northern Nigeria.