The University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association UNAA has held her 107th National Executive Council NEC meeting from November 25 to 27, 2021 at University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State.
The theme of the meeting was ‘Alumni Association: A Tool for National Cultural and Ethnic Society; A Case of University of Nigeria’
The Chairman of the occasion, Senator Osita Izunaso in his opening remarks paid tributes to the Founding father of the Alma Mater, (the University of Nigeria), Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He also extolled the numerous achievements of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and commended the vigorous activities of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) in sustaining the legacies in championing the restoration of the Dignity of Man.
“It was with great pleasure I accepted to grace this occasion as the Chairman of the Occasion. UNN is the only University of Nigeria while others follow.
“Truly, UNAA has been living up to the mandate ‘to restore the dignity of man’ hence the 107th NEC. This I must say is worthy of emulation”, he said.
He urged the association to continue in their good activities in restoring the dignity of man and to a greater extent our country Nigeria.
“Many do think that corruption is from the leaders on top but I tell you that corruption is endemic. Corruption is eating deep into the fabrics of this nation down to commonest man in the society.
I implore you (UNAA) to propagate the restoration of Nigerian justice system to an enviable height”, he added.
Sustenance of the University
The National President of UNAA, Ben Okoronkwo, in his remarks commended the host branch for a job well done and reiterated the importance of the NEC meeting as an avenue for all National and branch Executives to brainstorm on strategies for the continued achievement of the mandate ‘to restore the dignity of man’.
He reminded the audience of the need to galvanize support among members, friends, governments and various agencies towards the development, growth and sustenance of the Alma Mater. He also reminded them that the University has just clocked 61 and that the Alumni Association participated in the 2021 Founders Day.
Centre of unity and peace
The guest lecturer, Dr. Angela Uwakwem, a former Medical Director of the Federal Medical Center Owerri, Imo State drew the correlation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka to Nigeria as a country and identified a number of multicultural and ethnic issues. She equally posited that the University as a citadel of learning had also become a centre for unity and peace building as people from various cultural backgrounds, ethnic and religious callings dwell together. She charged the University and the Alumni Association to continue to be in the vanguard as tools for national integration and development.
“UNN has a lot in common with our country Nigeria, being the first indigenous university, shares same year with Nigeria, has same colour with the Nigerian flag and is the only University of Nigeria while others follow.
“Being the first in many spheres in Nigeria’s developmental strides, the University has continued to pilot the course of national integration which is seen in the vibrancy of the Alumni association”, she said.
The recognition and presentation of awards to distinguished personalities was the highlight of the occasion. The Awardees included Dr. Angela Uwakwem, Senator Ostia Izunaso, Ben Okoronkwo (National President UNAA), Hon. Goddy Obodo, Sir Chukwuma Ekomaru, Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu among others.
Nneka Ukachukwu
