The Governing Council of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Paul Vita as Provost (Vice President for Academic Affairs) and Mr. Daniel Okereke as the substantive Registrar and Vice President of Administration of the University.
Announcing the appointments to the AUN community, President Dr. DeWayne Frazier expressed excitement about their extensive experience in higher education: "We are thrilled to welcome our new Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Paul Vita, and our substantive Registrar/Vice President for Administration, Mr. Daniel Okereke, to the senior leadership team at the American University of Nigeria. The two bring well over a half a century of experience in higher education cumulatively and will be integral parts of the university's continued ascension."
Reflecting on his new role, Professor Paul states, “AUN seeks someone to contribute to preparing students to be applied, critical thinkers and problem solvers through innovative teaching and research, someone who will help formulate and implement course structures that align with the institution’s development philosophy. I would relish the chance to serve in this role, bringing to AUN my international experience along with my firm commitment to advancing U.S. liberal arts education in a multicultural environment and to championing student-centered teaching and learning".
Prof. Paul is a graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in English, holds a Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.A. in English from Columbia University, and has completed additional studies at Oxford University. Professor Paul has held prominent positions in academia, including Vice Chancellor/President of James Hope University in Lagos, Nigeria, and Vice President, Director, and Academic Dean at Saint Louis University in Madrid, Spain.
His extensive experience in academic administration, combined with a strong passion for fostering innovation and student success, makes him a valuable addition to the AUN community. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen AUN’s mission of delivering world-class education and driving impactful development in Nigeria and beyond.
In accepting his new role, Mr. Okereke expressed profound gratitude and commitment to advancing the mission of AUN. “It is with great humility that I accept this responsibility to further contribute to the growth and consolidation of our great university as we prepare for the third decade since our establishment. The years ahead may appear turbulent for higher education in Nigeria and around the world, but our future is assured under President DeWayne's transformative leadership, anchored on vision, high positive energy, and total dedication to the mission of the American University of Nigeria.”
The new registrar, Mr. Okereke, joined AUN in August 2013 as executive director of communications & public relations, with marketing responsibilities added to his portfolio in 2021. He has successfully led the university’s integrated marketing communications and digital resources teams, driving the strategic vision for institutional growth and sustainability.
With a wealth of diverse management experience spanning public, corporate, and academic sectors, Mr. Okereke is well-equipped to enhance the planning, coordination, and optimization of AUN’s administrative and operational frameworks. He was appointed Interim Register and Secretary to the Governing Council on January 2, 2024.
Signed
Yusuf Mohammed
Snr. Director, Public Affairs
