First of all, our university name has been changed to American University of Nigeria (AUN). Wouldn’t that look even cooler on the final certificate?! It happened somewhere at the beginning of the semester, don't know why I forgot to mention it earlier. Anyways, I don't know of any special reasons why it's changed. But here, you can read what our newsletter had to say about the name change:

“The ABIT-American University of Nigeria (AAUN) has streamlined its name. The new name is American University of Nigeria (AUN). The university has also launched a new logo to correspond with the new name.

Addressing a cross-section of the university staff in Room 211 of the School of Arts and Science building on August 6, 2007, Mr. Abba Tahir, AUN’s Director of Public Affairs, revealed that the new name was chosen by the university’s Board of Trustees to reflect a general trend in the naming of American Universities worldwide.

“The trend is to simply associate the name of any such university with its geographical location at the cosmopolitan or national level,” he said, citing the American University in Cairo and the American University of Bulgaria to buttress his point.

He also stated that the “ABTI” prefix, while much loved by supporters closest to the university, sometimes causes confusion among international audiences including potential donors. “The new name will remove that confusion,” he said.........

                                                                                                - AUN Newsletter

And it continues, but I guess this is sufficient explanation. Just so you know I’ve put a picture of the new logo:

Secondly, I think I mentioned the exchange program in one of my previous entries. This program allows students from AUN to go visit and study at AU for a semester or academic year. Judith and Zunzika were the first students to travel to AU, Washington. Judith left Nigeria sometime in August. I've been in touch with her ever since. And from what she tells me, AU is super-cool! I'm so happy for Judith! Especially because she was awarded full-scholarship! Just awesome, isn't it? God truly cares for us.

Thirdly, to answer the question stated in the title of my entry – of course I’m not ready for the exchange program. That’s because I’m not going. Actually I’m not going because I'm on-hold right now. But believe me when I say that I couldn’t have wished for a better outcome. I prefer it this way because it’s God’s way. I mean I didn’t feel sad at all. At first I was like, “why not me?” But later on, I was the happiest person in AUN! Let me narrate how it all happened.........

The day had not been good at all except for the ERP exam we wrote. I had had so much work to complete, and I had vented all my frustration on my sisters and brother. I wasn’t particularly feeling happy when I went for the IS Project Management (INF 321) class at 7:00pm. Dr. Kah (instructor for the course) had bought some chocolates to class which he gave to us at the end of the class. It was in the Project Management class that I and Nousheen got the email from AU. I was so happy that at least Nousheen had been accepted, even if she didn’t get the scholarship. We had a short break during the 2 hours 40 min class, and it was then that I told Oma that I was on-hold while Nousheen had been accepted. Dr. Kah was there too and he said "congratulations, I meant to congratulate you guys earlier." I was like "Nousheen has been accepted, but I'm on-hold", and he says "there's a scholarship too, congratulations for that". And I'm like totally surprised! I figured that if Nousheen didn't get the scholarship then it must be Hamman or Nino. The next thing I know is me and Saima are running downstairs to the library to find Raju (Hamman) & Nino and ask who got the scholarship. I arrive at the library and I first go to Osas. I ask him "did you check your email yet? For AU I mean" And he says that he hasn't, but will check soon. So I run to Nino (in the other room) and ask her the same question, and she answers me as Osas did. Then I go to Raju, who's two seats away from Nino and ask the same question. Raju doesn't answer at first but smiles a different smile, a very innocent, humble and joyful smile, and I instantly know the answer! Couldn't believe it! Hamman got the full scholarship! I literally jumped with joy! I went to Nino and give her the good news, and she too is completely amazed! I then ran back to Osas, and told him "I know who got the scholarship!", "Who is it?" he asks, and I say "Hamman!" Osas was also happy to hear that!

Next me and Saima go back upstairs and tell Nousheen, she was also just as glad as I was. Then Nino joins us upstairs and we also rejoice together. Amid the glee and joy, I offer a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God. It wouldn't have been possible without His grace. I mean I was just so humbled. God is just, and I understood it at that moment. No one deserved to get the scholarship more than Raju. And what was more, Nousheen and Raju – the eldest were selected! I can't thank God enough for his mercies. Oh to think how happy mom would have been had she been with us! We tried calling dad the moment we found out, but the phone service was down. When we got home I was the first to give the news to dad. He just embraced us all and gave praise to God Almighty, who had answered our prayers. It was a beautiful night. Really, one of the best ever.........

Nino, and my 2 sweet friends Osas and Patricia, are also on-hold. On the other hand, Oma, Toochi, Lydia, Nonso, and Luke have been accepted at AU. I’m also very happy for all of them, especially Oma cos I know that’s what she wanted. From what I heard, most of them intend to go study at AU in the Spring semester. Hmmm, I’m truly overjoyed about Raju’s scholarship, and Nousheen’s admission!

Finally, I feel so happy adding this entry on my birthday. My birthday will be a separate entry on its own sometime soon. All the same, I heard from Judith and she’s been getting really good scores there. I’m sure she’ll make all of us & AUN proud! Thank you LORD for all that you have done for all of us. Father, continue to guide us with Your everlasting light.