AUN get new Executive Director of Communications

President Margee Ensign of the American University of Nigeria has announced that effective August 1, 2013, the Public Relations office will be renamed the Office of Communications.
It will be led by Executive Director Daniel Okereke, a seasoned journalist and editor, who will coordinate all communications efforts for the University.
Abba Tahir, who has served as Assistant Vice President Public Relations and Communications, will become the Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs for the University.
In his new position, Tahir will continue to assist with the coordination of all major AUN events, as well as play a major role in the emerging relationship with radio and television house, Gotel Communications, by expanding engagement opportunities for students, professors and staff.
An Instructor in AUN’s Communications and Multimedia programme, Tahir is a doctoral research fellow in Mass Communication at the University of Maiduguri, his alma mater, and hopes to pursue fulltime teaching once his dissertation is completed.
During his tenure at AUN, Tahir led the University through a successful rebranding campaign that heightened its visibility in Nigeria and beyond.
According to President Ensign: “Abba is a true pioneer – he was one of our first AUN employees and has presented a thoughtful, wise and knowledgeable voice to the country and the world. All of us at AUN are extremely grateful for his numerous contributions. This transition leverages his enormous skills and knowledge of the University. I will continue to rely on his wise counsel in the years ahead.”
A graduate of Mass Communication of the University of Nigeria, Okereke has professional experience in the private and public sectors over two decades.
During this period, he acquired hands-on experience in journalism, public relations, policy formulation, as well as government information management.
As Senior Information Officer, Okereke edits the website of the State House, www.statehouse.gov.ng, the online publisher of official news, information and pictorials.
His forte includes written and oral communication, clear and incisive analysis, and team-building abilities.
Okereke was a pioneer staff member of the Presidential Research and Communications Unit of the State House, Abuja, established in 2002 by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
“We welcome Daniel Okereke to AUN,” continued President Ensign. “I believe his communications expertise and management skills will be a major asset for the University.”