The Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Akwa, Professor Benard Odoh, has made a passionate please, urging
the university’s alumni to help in play huge roles in th development of their Alma Mater.
Prof. Odoh while speaking at the Annual International Convention of the UNIZIK Alumni Association held in Enugu highlighted the substantial impact that alumni contributions have on institutions worldwide.
He stressed that an institution like UNIZIK with illustrious Alumni with members occupying various positions in private and government structures has an urgent need for serious alumni commitment.
Recall that Odoh, himself an alumnus of UNIZIK, recently became the Vice Chancellor, a position he has vowed to leverage his historical knowledge of the school to positively change the narrative.
He said that the relationship between alumni and their alma mater should be mutually beneficial, and a win win situation.
Odoh noted that while alumni give back to strengthen the university, the institution should also provide valuable support and resources to its graduates.
He charged for enhanced collaboration through improved networking and digitized alumni operations, assuring the Alumni Association of his support.
Odoh commended the outgoing National President of the Alumni, Engr. Kingsley Nwafor, for his commendable achievements during his term.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, expressed appreciation to the alumni for hosting the convention in Enugu.
Mbah who was represented by his Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Samuel Ugwu, highlighted the state government’s commitment to education, noting that over 30 per cent of the state’s budget is dedicated to this sector.
Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, represented by Prof. Pius Okoye, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at UNIZIK, delivered the keynote address.
Okoye spoke on the convention theme: “Innovation and Enterprise: The Role of Alumni Association Towards Digitization and Networking in the 21st Century.”
He took the audience on a smooth ride on the importance of building a robust alumni network to foster innovation and enterprise, critical elements in the university’s journey toward digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Alumni President, Nwafor outlined the association’s achievements under his leadership.
According to Nwaoru, the association under his leadership created of additional alumni branches, including international chapters, and the initiation of an alumni secretariat as a central hub for graduates.
He spoke strongly on the alumni endowment database and expressed gratitude for the support received from the national executives, council members, and the university management, urging continued support for the new leadership.
Awards presentations were made to prominent figures, including Enugu State Governor Mbah, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Mr. Innocent Nwosu, Ambassador Frank Anyajiofor, Chief Emeka Ezeonu, and Chief Okenna Aguneche.
Dr Ikechukwu Umeh, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu, Mr. Oseloka Ekwuno, and Mr. Victor Obineme we’re all inducted into the UNIZIK Alumni Hall of Fame, at the end of the ceremony.
