By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Fundraising for the completion of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association (NAUAA) Building Complex took centre stage at the association’s Converge 2.0, with alumni, friends of the institution and other stakeholders making financial commitments.
The event, themed “Uniting Unizik Alumni for Impact, Legacy and Global Excellence,” was held at the Alumni Building Complex, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Friday.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, donated N50 million towards the project and pledged continued support for the development of the university.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, represented by Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, said alumni contributions were critical to the growth of institutions of higher learning, noting that leading universities globally had benefited significantly from the support of their graduates.
The Global President of NAUAA, Prof. Ikechukwu Umeh, said Converge 2.0 was designed to mobilise the association’s human and material resources for sustainable development and lasting legacy.
He disclosed that the completion of the alumni building project, estimated at over N250 million, remained the central objective of the gathering.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Evaristus Ede Afiadigwe, said the event provided an opportunity for graduates, friends and stakeholders to review the university’s progress, prospects and challenges.
Also speaking, the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, described the gathering as a defining moment for the association, urging alumni and other stakeholders to take responsibility for preserving and advancing the institution’s legacy.
In his keynote address, Prof. Ozonnia Ojielo said the strength of any institution depended largely on alumni who chose active participation over spectatorship.
The event also featured awards to prominent personalities, including Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, Prince Arthur Eze, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim and I.G. Onyeka Aguowo.
Tags: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK Alumni, Education, Awka
