Education
PROF. Michael Adikwu, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, has urged alumni to play major roles in development of their alma maters as a way to give back to the institutions.
Adikwu gave this charge in Nsukka on Wednesday, during the 27th National Convention and 107th National Executive Council meeting of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA).
The convention was tagged: “Governance in Nigeria Universities: Challenges and Solutions”.
According to him, if alumni within the country and in diaspora get actively involved in funding and development of their alma mater, tertiary education will receive a boost in academic quality and infrastructure.
“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.
“Higher institutions in western countries are ranked among the best in the world, because of huge funding and adequate attention from their alumni,” he noted.
The former vice-chancellor stated that universities should find a means of increasing their internally generated revenues, instead of depending on the state and federal governments for funding.
“As a graduate of UNN, I was excited by the invitation to come and be the guest lecturer of this 27th convention.
“I appreciate the UNAA national executive for counting me worthy of this honour,” he said.
In his remarks, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, a former lawmaker, who chaired the occasion, urged all alumni to contribute immensely to the development of their alma mater.
Utazi, who was the immediate past Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, said that the alumni should always remember that it was these institutions that made them what they are.
“We should be proud to give back to our alma mater as the institution that gave us wings 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.
Also, Dr Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, the National President, UNAA, said that the convention would improve on the successes, growth and stability of the association, so it could continue to make positive impacts on UNN.
“I enjoin 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 a NEC meeting in Asaba, the aim is for membership drive, fund raising and information dissemination in the association,” she said.
Agua-Onyekwelu commended delegates from different states for attending the convention in spite of the high transport fares.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Igwe Samuel Asadu, the Traditional Ruler, Edem-Ani Community, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, was installed as the Grand Patron of UNAA and also given an award of excellence by the association.
Chief Andrew Oru, former National President of UNAA and Oba Oyetunde Olumuyiwa Ojo, the Traditional Ruler of Ada Community, Boripe Local Government Area, Osun, also received awards of excellence for selfless service to humanity.
The convention elected new delegates and Agua-Onyekwelu returned as National President, while Mr Henry Ogunbamiwo was elected unopposed as Deputy National President.
Other elected executives are Mr Tony Chukwu, National Secretary; Chimaobi Nwabuko, Assistant National Secretary; Mr. Ifeanyi Okoye, Zonal Vice President North Central; and Dr Mrs Pat Ekennia, Zonal Vice President North East. (NAN)
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Tags: Dr Linda Agua-Onyekwelu Prof. Michael Adikwu Sen. Chukwuka Utazi
