Nigeria School Won The Guinness World Record

Is this not wonderful, American University of Nigeria’s Office of Sustainability is set to place the institution in the Guinness Book of World Records (GWR) via its unique waste-to-wealth management programme. On Friday, April 24, an unprecedented 485 people ended 20 minutes of simultaneous crocheting, using plastic yarn made from waste polythene.

The Most People Crocheting Simultaneously record, was achieved five years ago in New York City at a Stitch ‘N’ Pitch event organised by the National Needlearts Association, at the Citi Field stadium, New York during which 426 people crocheted for 15 minutes using yarn. The unique thing about this event is the ecological twist where the crocheters’ use plarn, the yarn made from used polythene bags.

Members of Yola EcoSentials (YES), a group of female social entrepreneurs promoted by AUN, took participants through the process before the kick-off of the simultaneous crocheting. The event served to enlighten the community about the university’s waste-to-wealth initiative.

The group needlework was sponsored by the Student Government Association of AUN, to sensitize residents of Yola, the Adamawa State capital about the hazards of non-biodegradable litter. It was also aimed at surpassing the current Guinness World Record held by Americans.

“We have yet to receive official notice from the Guinness World Record administrators who are based in the USA,” according to Jelena Zivkovic, the Director of the AUN Learning Resource Center and coordinator of the GWR committee. Ms. Zivkovic read out the rules of the competition and urged the participants to adhere strictly to rules to avoid the AUN attempt being disqualified. The activity ended at exactly 20 minutes. There were external observers as witnesses.

“You can make money from it,” says Jennifer Che, Co-ordinator of Sustainability Outreach Programs and Laboratories. Chief Information Officer, Mr. Julius Ayuk Tabe, representing the AUN President, Professor Margee Ensign at the kick-off, said: “In the light of negative news coming from the north-east, whenever the story of tenacity and togetherness is told, your achievement today will be a reference. This is what your sense of togetherness, teamwork, and can-do-it spirit has made possible today.”

The GWR attempt was an illustration of AUN’s sustainability programs and demonstrates commitment to challenging the status quo – getting AUN students involved in world events by promoting recycling and sustainability. In Yola,  the lack of a conventional waste collection system and bins/dumpsites is one of the main reasons residents dump their waste (including grocery bags), and then burn it, causing a major health hazard for humans and animals, including respiratory illnesses, gastric problems, and shortened life expectancy.

The University began a program some years ago to address local unemployment and this environmental hazard.  As a result, Yola women, under the auspices of YES, have made waste plastic (plarn) into colourful, eco-friendly accessories. “It is our hope,” says Ms. Che, “that this event will raise awareness on how recycling our products, in this case, plarn, can keep the environment clean and healthy, and as well provide an income for the needy in the community.”

Source: PunchNg

Leave you Comment below..

American University Of Nigeria (AUN) 2014/2015 Post UTME application begins

The American University Of Nigeria (AUN), Yola has announced the opening of its admission portal for the Fall 2014. Candidates interested in an American-like education system but unable to leave Nigeria (for financial or other reasons) are hereby informed.

AUN students receive a world class American education without leaving their families and cultures behind. Recognized as a centre of educational excellence, AUN is training the next generation of leaders for Nigeria and the continent.

Admission is available twice each year- August and January

Entry Requirements For AUN Admission 2014/2015

1. Freshmen (UTME): End of Secondary School External Exams grades- WAEC, NECO, IGCSE or equivalent, plus a good JAMB score.
2. Direct Entry: A level, Diploma or NCE results.
3. Transfer Students: 2 years comparable study at an accredited university

How To Apply For AUN Admission 2014/2015

1. Complete Application with Required Documentation
   The student completes an application form, attaches required documents and materials, and sends the application to the Admission Office along with a payment slip of N5,000 as non-refundable processing fee paid into any AUN account at the Bank (view details). Students are encouraged to apply online and to email scanned documents to the Admissions Office via admissions@aun.edu.ng.
2. AUN Acknowledges Receipt of Application
   The Admission Office notifies the applicant by email of the receipt of his or her application and also informs the candidate of any missing documents if any.
   
   NOTE: The acceptance process does not proceed until all required documents are submitted and included in the applicant’s file.
3. Communication of Admission Decision to Applicant
   The Admission Office notifies the student in writing of the application’s acceptance or non-acceptance. If the application is successful, the acceptance letter provides a list of things that the student needs to do in order to secure a space at the University. In the event that the application is rejected, the rejection letter explains the reasons for the rejection.
4. Confirmation of Acceptance by Student
   The successful admission candidate makes a refundable housing deposit of N30,000 by the stipulated date to reserve a Residence Hall space. A successful candidate must undergo a medical test by completing the medical form in an accredited hospital.

For further enquiries, please call 08052000703

American University of Nigeria (AUN) Graduates 260 Students

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) on Saturday graduated 260 students during its sixth convocation ceremony in Yola.

Speaking during the ceremony, its president, Prof. Margee Ensign, charged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the school in whatever endeavours they found themselves.

“All of you are uniquely talented in one way or another, and you should be good ambassadors of the university in bringing quality leadership and development to Africa,” Ensign said.

Six students and 17 others were awarded with Masters Degrees in Information Technology and Management respectively, while the other 237 were awarded first degrees in various disciplines.

The high point of the occasion was the conferment of the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on Amb. John Simon, a former U.S. Ambassador to the AU.

Simon, also the guest speaker on the occasion, said collective decision on freedom and good leadership between America and Africa would go a long way to determining the future of Africa. (NAN)