By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on Wednesday, 13th December 2023 held her Alumni Homecoming and award presentation in a colourful event.
The celebration which was held at the ASUU NAU Secretariat Complex UNIZIK brought together Graduands of the Department, Staff of the Department and Faculty of Education as well as benefactors, friends and well wishers.
In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Vivian Nwogbo who also represented UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, appreciated the HOD for keying into the ‘Project200’ vision of the present administration. Prof. Nwogbo affirmed that ‘Project200’ has launched UNIZIK into the global sphere which has led to many organizations and individuals seeking to identify and associate with the institution.
The scholar revealed that UNIZIK is currently ranked third on the globe in the latest global ranking as most friendly in acceptance of foreign students. She described the Department as the baby of the Faculty making rapid growth and breaking boundaries while urging the Graduands to help accentuate the current status of the Department in the areas of infrastructural development in form of building an ultra modern creche and procurement of operational vehicle for the Department.
Earlier in his opening remark, Chairman of the occasion and former Principal Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, Barr. Prof. Emenike Obi, mni, stated that Alumni Home Coming provides an opportunity for a converge for the Department’s academic products to reflect on their time here at the institution and seek ways to contribute to the growth of the Department and education sector at large.
Prof. Obi commended the VC for his approval of the event while also praising him for his innovations and initiatives which has continually raised the status of the institution globally in the areas of research, winning of grants, academic excellence and community service.
In her address, the Head, Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Prof. Lilian Onwuka revealed that the Department came into existence in 2006 during the tenure of Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN, as the then Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
The HOD informed that the Department started with two pioneer students, Dr. Chinyere Okika and Mrs Lilian Oriyimi (Nee Okekeagu) but have increased in numbers offering different programmes comprising of Postgraduate, Bachelors Degree for both regular and part time at CEP, Sandwich and Associate levels.
Prof. Onwuka also informed that the event is to help raise funds to fulfil the Department’s vision of building an ultra modern creche and purchase an operational vehicle. She stated that the Department has graduated many PhD and M.Ed. students with the first PhD student in Dr. Loretto Onyekwelu who now lectures at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze.
The scholar congratulated the Awardees for their achievements and contributions to human capital development, leadership qualities and humanitarian services to the society while also eulogizing the VC for the opportunity to serve in the capacity as HOD.
On her part, the Chairman Planning Committee for the Alumni Home Coming, Prof. Ngozi Anyikwa thanked the alumni members and friends of the Department and the institution at large for gracing the occasion.
The scholar re-emphasized that the Department needs the support of all and sundry to ensure it attain greater heights. She also thanked Prof. Esimone for the vision of ‘Project200’ which has made the visibility of the institution to rise significantly in both academic, administration and community service.
Highpoints of the occasion was award presentation to academic products and benefactors of the department, scholars and those who promote the course of education as well as post-humous award to the Pioneer HOD, Late Prof. Alice Ndu.
The event also featured Cultural Dance by the Departmental Dance Group ‘Urukanachi Dance Group’.
