Former Vice President of Nigeria and founder of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Atiku Abubakar, has revealed that the adoption of the American-style education system in his schools is a tribute to the American Peace Corps volunteers who taught him during Nigeria’s early post-independence years.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Pacesetters’ Schools in Abuja, Atiku reflected on how American teachers stepped in during a period of acute teacher shortage, following the exit of British educators from the country in the early 1960s.
“I feel highly honoured to be invited to this very important event,” Atiku said. “There’s nothing that drives me more than education. Over 30 years ago, I started with a nursery school, then established a primary school, a secondary school, and eventually a university. My passion for education is rooted in my experience with the American Peace Corps.”
He explained that the U.S. Peace Corps was established by former President John F. Kennedy to support development in newly independent nations like Nigeria.
“In 1960, Nigeria gained independence. I was admitted to a provincial secondary school in Northern Nigeria in 1961. At that time, most of the British teachers were leaving, and we had only two graduate Nigerian teachers.
Suddenly, nine American Peace Corps volunteers were deployed to our school. They taught us all the way through to our Cambridge School Certificate in 1965. Those Americans played a pivotal role in shaping my education and life,” he recounted.
Atiku said it was in honour of that formative experience that he adopted the American curriculum across all levels in his schools — from kindergarten to university.
“That is why my schools operate a fully American curriculum. It is my way of honouring the Americans who educated and mentored me.”
In his remarks, the founder of Pacesetters’ Schools, Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon, praised Atiku as a man who believes deeply in the transformative power of education.
“In my lifetime, I have never seen a former or sitting Vice President of Nigeria honour students aged 10 to 16 in this manner. Atiku’s presence here today is historic,” Imansuangbon said.
He likened Atiku’s visit to that of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who as a high school student visited the White House and shook hands with then-President John F. Kennedy — a moment that inspired Clinton’s presidential ambition.
“That one moment with JFK inspired Clinton to say, ‘I’m going to be President of the United States.’ We believe Atiku’s visit today could be that same spark for these young students. Only a man of his vision and kindness could offer such inspiration.”
Atiku congratulated Imansuangbon for his investment in education, describing it as a noble and life-changing endeavour. He also commended the Board and Governing Council of Pacesetters’ Schools for their dedication, urging them to consider expanding into tertiary education.
He expressed gratitude to the chairman of the board for the invitation, describing the occasion as “historic” and reaffirming his commitment to educational development. He wished the graduating students continued success in their academic pursuits.
