By amaechi kingsley
The University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) over the weekend held their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting with the theme; Restoring The Dignity Of The Alumni”. The event which was held at the Sam Mbakwe hall of Concorde Hotel Owerri, Imo state witnessed an award ceremony of UNAA conferred on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Prince Eze Madumere.
Receiving the award on behalf of the President, the Minister of State for Foreign affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri promised to extend the best wishes of the association to the president, also receiving the award, Prince Eze Madumere who spoke on behalf of the governor thanked UNAA for their recognition of the present administration of the Rescue Mission Agenda by the governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and re-iterated the governors commitment towards making Imo better.
In a welcome address, the Owerri branch president of UNAA, Lady Doris Okoroh stated that the branch is formidable but faced with challenges rising from the acquisition of 40 plots of land in which they appeal to the state government to come to their aid, She also disclosed that the branch has suffered financial set backs, in recent times hiring buses to attend members functions, and therefore appealed to friends, groups organizations and members, to come to their aid.
Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Chief Dr. Iwuanyanwu in his statement gave a brief history of his experience in the University of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army, pointing out that products of (UN) have done very well in our society today but regretted that the relevance which the institution is known for over the years has fast declined as more private universities are springing up every year. He urged the Aluminus of the University of Nigeria to stand as one so as to regain its past glory in representing the educational revolution in Africa.
Meanwhile the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of governing Council, University of Nigeria, Prof. Emeka Enejere, spoke on the challenges facing the tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the best practices which should be adopted by the Nigerian Universities that will effectively and efficiently make impact. He added that the sanity and sanctity of various citadels of learning have been bastardized following the rate at which honorary degrees are being given to members of the public to attract funds, and appealed to their colleagues in ASUU to trade softly with the Federal Government so that students can return back to school.
Highpoint of the event was a lecture delivered by the former Chief Judge of Imo state Hon. Justice Paul C. Onumajulu, titled “Restoring The Dignity Of The Alumni”, while an interactive session was held as other National branch hailed the efforts of Owerri branches for making the NEC meeting a huge success in the history of UNAA.
