By Ikenna Nwokedi
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, through the Alumni on Friday, 12th April 2024 conferred awards of recognition on prominent Nigerians who were their academic products on the occasion of the Maiden Alumni Converge held at the ASUU-NAU Secretariat.
The recognitions in form of awards were bestowed upon personalities such the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah; House of Representatives Member for Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof. Oby Lilian Orogbu; Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife (Iyom); UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, FAS, for their outstanding contributions to the University and humanity at large.
Other awardees were the CEO of Pilot Integrated Global Services Limited, Chief Hyacinth Johnpaul Chidiebere (Pope); CEO Pool King Estate, Hon. Gabriel Chukwunwendu, Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, George Agu, Dr. Chibuzor Morah, Engr. Ojukwu Ibezim, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, Chief Kenechukwu Okoli, Chief Christian Ndubueze Ezeokoli, Associate Prof. Chris Onyebuchi Ifediora, Chief Dr. Kizito Okonkwo, Engr. Kingsley Emeka Nwafor, Dr. Evaristus Afiadigwe and Dr. Elias Nnanna Igwe.
In her remarks, Chair of the occasion, Prof. Orogbu stated that the Converge was aimed at raising funds for the ongoing Alumni Building under construction as well as infrastructural upgrade of the university while also serving as a reunion for alumni members. She lamented that with the caliber of individuals the institution has produced over the past three decades, it is disheartening to note that fundraising for the completion of the Alumni Building still forms the basis of discussion at the converge.
In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, stressed the importance of Alumni Associations in University development. The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu cited examples of other Nigerian Universities that have utilized alumni associations to achieve significant milestones, urging UNIZIK alumni to emulate such initiatives. The scholar challenged the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association to make their mark in the institution by ensuring that there is a major infrastructural project in the institution in no distant time.
In his Keynote Speech, Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, commended Prof. Esimone for putting the University on the map with his vision for ‘Project 200’ which has increased the institution’s visibility. Senator Ubah who was represented by Mr. Ebuka Onyekwelu informed that no institution can achieve complete infrastructual development without the contributions of her alumni. He pointed out that there is need for synergy and symbiotic relationship between the alumni and critical stakeholders of the University.
On his part, President of UNIZIK Alumni Association, Engr. Emeka Nwafor thanked all and sundry who found time to be at the maiden converge, Nwafor expressed appreciation to all who have contributed to the Alumni building project while promising that the building will be completed in no distant time.
Re-echoing the views of the Alumni Association President, the Chairman of the UNIZIK Alumni Converge Dr. Evaristus Afiadigwe emphasized the need for accelerated support for the University to enhance its visibility among comity of top-tier Universities in the globe. The scholar harped on the importance of signature projects and infrastructures befitting a University while urging the alumni to prioritize the welfare of the students of the institution.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Chike Okoye, in his lecture titled, “The Role of Alumni, Friends, and Stakeholders in the Development of the Institution,” emphasized the importance of alumni contributions in University advancement and development. The scholar called on Alumni members to see the development and growth of the institution as part of their personal project.
Responding, one of the awardees and CEO Pilot Integrated Global Services Ltd, Chief Hyacinth Chidiebere (Pope) thanked the institution for the honour bestowed on him, the entrepreneur stated that UNIZIK remains his alma mater and he will contribute his part in ensuring her continuous growth and development infrastructural and academic wise. He also pledged the sum of five million naira to support the alumni project.
In a vote of thanks, the Coordinator of UNIZIK Alumni Relations, Dr. Nwachukwu Obiakor thanked all who found time to grace the occasion. He called on the University Alumni both home and Abroad to join the moving train and be part of the growth and development of UNIZIK.
Other highpoints of the occasion was the facility tour of the ongoing Alumni Building complex.
