UNN Alumni Begins Preparation for Founders Day

Gloria Essien, Abuja

The University of Nigeria Alumni Association has inaugurated its National Organising Committee for the upcoming Founders Day celebration at the University Liaison Office in Abuja. Mr. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi has been appointed as the Chairman of the committee.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Onuakalusi emphasised that Founders Day serves to honour the founding fathers of the institution, which is recognised as the first indigenous university in Nigeria, modeled after the University of Michigan in the USA. He noted that the university was envisioned as a platform for educational excellence and a means to restore dignity, particularly for the black race.

“The motto of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ‘To Restore the Dignity of Man,’ is rooted in Count Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s 15th-century oration, ‘De Dignitate Hominis’ (‘On the Dignity of Man’), delivered in 1486. This year marks the 64th Founders Day, and our primary goal is to build the Founders Tower, which will house a Grand Research Institute, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, an Alumni Secretariat, and a Conference Arena. Additionally, the Founders Tower will feature a Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding alumni across various fields. We aim to raise N5 billion to complete this project within 48 months,” Mr. Onuakalusi stated.

The National Organising Committee will consist of seven sub-committees, including:

1. Infrastructure and Works – Mr Ben Okoronkwo
2. Finance – Mr Mike Ezechukwu
3. Media and Publicity – Professor Charles Nwekeaku
4. Legal – Mr. Monday Ubani (SAN)
5. Administrative – Mrs Juliet Ukoha
6. Welfare & Logistics – Mrs Chioma Okeke
7. Contact and Mobilisation – Chief Osita Chidoka
8. Security – (AIG) Ben Igweh
9. Vice Chairman – Lady Stella Maduka
10. Dr. Ben Onwudinjo

The University of Nigeria was established by Rt. Honourable Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and others, with founding principles centered on restoring human dignity through education and knowledge.

To further its goals, the Alumni Association plans to collaborate with the University to establish an Endowment Fund aimed at supporting research and assisting lecturers to combat brain drain. Key stakeholders, including the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minister of Education, will be invited to support this initiative, scheduled for December 4, 2024.

Dominica Nwabufo