- UNN Alumni re-elects Agua-Onyekwelu National President
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Prof Michael Adikwu, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, has challenged alumni to play a vital role in the development of their alma mater as a way to appreciate institutions that made them what they are now.
Adikwu said this in Nsukka on Wednesday 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).
He said if alumni in the country and diaspora get actively involved in funding and development of their alma mater that tertiary education would receive a boost both in academic quality and infrastructure.
“If the alumni will be involved in the active funding of their Alma mater by way of donations, it will help to bridge the gap of infrastructural deficits in most institutions and reduce dependency on the government.
“Most universities in Western countries are the best in the world today because of huge funding and adequate attention from their alumni,” he said.
Speaking further the former VC suggested that universities in the country should find means of increasing their internal generated revenues instead of relying 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 about 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 the national assembly who chaired the occasion 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 proud and ready any day any time to identify with UNN as my alma mater because it is the institution that shaped 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 as to continue to make a positive impact on the alma mater.
“I enjoyed all graduates of UNN identify with UNAA so that we can join hands together to make a meaningful contribution towards the development of our great alma mater.
“A website was launched in the Asaba convention, the aim is membership drive, fundraising, and information dissemination,” 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) 2021 nationwide strike among others.
“I urge delegates to ensure that the best are selected 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 despite high transport fares as a result of the recent fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
Earlier Mrs. Christy Obi-kaguna the president of the Nsukka branch of UNAA expressed her happiness over the huge turnout of delegates and guests from different states of the country to the convention.
“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.
HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State was installed as the Grand Patron of UNNA, while HRM Ojo Olumuyiwa,
the Olona of Ada Owode, Oshogbo, Osun State was among those given excellent awards by the association.
Daily Sun reports that the convention had after their election returned Queen Dr Mrs Linda Agua-Onyekwelu as National President, with Mr Henry Ogunbamiwo as Deputy National President.
Others 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; Ichie George Nwolisa, Zonal Vice-President, North West; Hon Dr Christy Obi-Keguna, Zonal Vice-President, South East; Comrade Olakunle Afolabi, Zonal Vice-President, South West, among others.