Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his late father was once imprisoned for resisting his enrollment in school — a pivotal experience that helped shape his deep commitment to education and public service.

 

Atiku shared this personal story on Friday during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola. Addressing the graduating class with emotion and candor, he drew from his own humble beginnings to inspire the next generation of leaders.

 

“My father was jailed for resisting my enrollment in school,” he told the audience.

“We started from nothing — sitting on the bare ground, writing with our fingers. That’s how far I’ve come.”

 

Atiku, the founder of AUN, described the institution as a “world-class citadel of learning” and a lasting legacy. However, he clarified that its creation was not solely inspired by his childhood struggles.

“The AUN story is different,” he said.

“It was the American Peace Corps who taught me in 1961 that truly ignited the vision.”

 

In a speech rich with life lessons and personal anecdotes, the elder statesman emphasized the value of patience, describing it as a powerful tool for leadership.

“Patience is not weakness,” he said. “It is a weapon of the wise.”

 

Reflecting on his political journey, Atiku recalled rejecting an offer to become governor under military rule, as it was not earned through democratic means.

“When we resisted military dictatorship, they offered me a governorship without an election. I rejected it,” he said.

“In 1999, I earned it the right way and became Vice President.”

 

He also paid heartfelt tribute to his political mentor, the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, calling him a symbol of courage.

“His blood pressure was normal on the day of his scheduled execution. That’s a soldier. That’s courage.”