Former VC challenges alumni on development of their alma mater

By Agency Report

Prof. Michael Adikwu, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja has challenged alumni to play a major role in the development of their alma maters  as a way given back to the institutions that made them what they are now.

Adikwu gave the charge in Nsukka during the 27th National Convention and 107th National Executive Council Meeting of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), tagged;  "Governance in Nigeria University: Challenges and Solutions".

Held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in which new national executives of UNAA were elected.

He said  that, if alumni in the country and diaspora get actively involved in funding and development of their alma mater, tertiary education would receive a boost both in academic quality and infrastructures.

"If the alumni will be involved  actively in funding of their alma mater, it will help to bridge the gap of funding and infrastructural deficits in most public higher institutions.

"Most higher institutions in western countries are ranked among the best in the world because of huge funding and adequate attention from their alumni," he said.

The former VC suggested that universities in the country should find means of increasing their internal generated revenues instead of waiting on State and Federal Governments for every funding.

He expressed appreciation to UNAA national executive for finding him worthy to be the guest lecturer for the 27th convention.

"As a graduate of UNN, I am excited on the invitation to come and be the guest lecturer of this 27th convention," he said.

In a remark, Sen Chukwuka Utazi, the immediate past Senator that represented Enugu North Senatorial District in Senate who chaired the occasion.

Utazi urged all alumni to contribute immensely to the development of their alma mater since it was the institution that made them what they were now.

"We should be proud in giving back to our alma mater as the institution that gave us wing to fly and made us best among equals.

"I am always  proud  to identify with UNN as my alma mater because it is the institution that equipped me morally and academically," he said.

Speaking, HRH Queen Dr. Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, the National President of UNAA said that the convention would improve on the successes, growth, and stability of the association so far, in order to continue to make positive impacts on UNN our alma mater.

"I enjoyed all graduates of UNN in the country and in diaspora to identify with UNAA, so that we can join hands together to make more meaningful contributions to our alma mater.

"A website www.unaanational.com was launched at NEC meeting in Asaba, the aim is for membership drive, fund raising and information dissemination in the association," she said.

Agua-Onyekwelu said that the highlight of the Nsukka convention would be the election of a new national executive of UNAA.

"Our journey since assumption of office in 2020 has not been without hitches from within and outside the association.

"The activities of the association have been punctuated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) nationwide strike among others.

"I urge delegates to ensure that the best and capable members are elected that will continue to pilot the activities of the association," she said.

The national president commended delegates from different states across the country for attending the convention in spite high transport fares as a result of the recent fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Earlier Mrs. Christy Obi-kaguna the President of Nsukka branch UNAA ,expressed her happiness over the huge turnout of delegates and guests from different states of the country.

"I am excited and overwhelmed by the number of delegates and calibre of guests from different parts of the country that attended this convention," she said.

NAN reports that, Igwe Samuel Asadu, the Traditional Ruler of Edem-Ani Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State was installed as the Grand Patton of UNNA and was among those given excellent award by the association.

Chief Andrew Oru, former National President of UNAA and Oba Oyetunde Olumuyiwa  Ojo, the Traditional Ruler of Ada community in Boripe Local Government Area, Osun State were also among those who received excellent award for their selfless service to to humanity

The highlight of the convention was election of new national executives.

The election by delegates returned Agua-Onyekwelu as National President, and Mr. Henry  Ogunbamiwo as  Deputy National President, unopposed.

Those elected include; Mr. Tony Chukwu, National Secretary, Chimaobi Nwabuko, Assistant National Secretary,  Mr. Ifeanyi Okoye, Zonal Vice President North Central, Dr. Mrs. Pat Ekennia, Zonal Vice President North East.

Mr George Nwolisa, Zonal Vice President North West, Dr. Christy Obi-Keguna, Zonal Vice President South East, Comrade Olakunle Afolabi, Zonal Vice President South West, among others.
(NAN)