PRESS STATEMENT: AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA STANDS AGAINST RAPE:

1. The American University of Nigeria (AUN) vehemently opposes sexual exploitation and all forms of violence against women and indeed all people.

2. The University leadership is currently investigating allegations of rape against a former student.

3. It is noteworthy that these allegations only came to light after one of the parties involved graduated.

4. We are sympathetic to the intense psychological turmoil of rape and know that sometimes, it takes a while for victims to gain enough emotional strength to speak up.

5. Our Judicial Affairs Council is in the process of thoroughly investigating allegations and counter-allegations from both sides.

6. All forms of social vices and moral decadence go against every fiber of our code of ethics.

7. We constantly uphold high moral standards in our learning community which extends to our network of alumni spanning across the world.

8. AUN remains committed to ensuring student safety and upholding the principles of justice and fairness in all endeavors.

9. As a premier development institution, we are wholly committed to safeguarding prestige, upstanding moral conduct, and character.

10. Any student found culpable in breaking our honor code will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

11. AUN’s carefully earned reputation for stellar academic achievement, entrepreneurship, and innovation will not be sullied by shadows of misconduct.

12. The digital age has afforded us transparency and we thank all social media vanguards who have brought these allegations to light.

13. Truth indeed dies in darkness, this reinvigorates our commitment to lighting the pathway to an incorruptible, morally upright society.

14. As a son to a caring mother, brother to many sisters, father to several daughters, and mentor to countless female students, I deeply feel the excruciating pain, which this unfortunate incident has wrought.

END


Signed,
Abubakar Abba Tahir, Ph.D
Vice President For University Relations
American University of Nigeria