By Chinedum Treasure
Class of 2000 Electrical Electronics and Computer Engineering of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has honored some of their lecturers twenty-five years after graduation.
The alumni members had earlier visited an orphanage where they made gifts and cash presentation as well as toured the institution as part of activities marking their 2025 Silver Jubilee reunion.
The honored lecturers were Engr Cajetan Mezi, Engr Prof Enemou, Sir Engr. Tyndale, Engr Prof (Mrs) Okezie, Sir, Engr Uketui, Engr Prof Onuegbu and Mrs Ekwunife Rosemary.
Speaking during the award presentation, President of the group, Fred Ekete said the honour was in recognition of the lecturers positive contributions to their lives, including their academics while in school.
He said the occasion also offered members opportunity to reconnect, urging them find ways to keep the group’s network alive, support one another as well as mentor the next generation.
Ekete, represented by Engr Austin Odoemene appreciated the organising committee and others for their huge sacrifices, including time and resources in making the event both a reality and memorable.
He said, “When we walked across NAU as young, wide-eyed students in the late ’90s, we had no idea how fast time would fly.
“We wrestled with Kirchhoff’s Laws, Thevenin Theorem, Fourier’s series, Laplace Transforms, this and that, sometimes with confidence, sometimes with confusion.
“We argued, collaborated and competed, but above all, we built friendships that stood the test of time. Nnamdi Azikiwe University wasn’t just a place of learning — it was where we grew up, where we became ourselves.
“Those little beginnings of cramping a million students in the aptly named Warehouse as lecture hall, catching Oriego or Agbomma from bus stand to Perm site, then ending up in Wilderness.
“Long hours of jacking, the quizzes, exams, all of it shaped us into who we are today. And look at us now — engineers, entrepreneurs, leaders, husbands, wives, parents, teachers, mentors.
“Each of us lighting up different parts of the world yet still connected by the same current that started in Awka.
“I’m deeply proud of who we have become. Thank you for keeping the spirit alive. May the bonds we forged 25 years ago continue to grow stronger, brighter, and more impactful in the years ahead.
“Cheers to friendship, to memories, and to the EECE Class of 2000 — forever young at heart, forever connected. Lower your guards and enjoy the Reunion to the fullest my people.
“To everyone who made this gathering possible by any means, you’ve given us a priceless gift — the chance to reconnect, to laugh again like students, and to remind ourselves that we are part of something special.
“As we celebrate this reunion, let’s take a moment to remember our classmates who are no longer with us. Engrs Daniel Ogbekile, Ernest Nwajinka aka Dallas, Ikenna Ugorji aka Okosisi and Friday Nwagu
“They remain part of our story, our journey, and our collective heartbeat. May the Souls of continue to be at peace with their maker; and may their memories continue to inspire us to live with purpose and gratitude.”
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Engr Cajetan Mezi thanked the group for finding them worthy of the award, advising them to always place God first in all they do to ensure more fruitful years ahead.
Mezi, the first Head of the Department said, “I’m glad they were able to gather themselves together after so many decades. I’m more excited that, as my products, they are all established.”
One of the alumnus, and a member of the organising committee, Engr Prof Stephen Ufoaroh appreciated God for keeping them alive to witness the unprecedented growth and development in the institution.
Ufoaroh, a lecturer in the institution and former Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UNIZIK said, “It’s a pleasure to be on ground to take my classmates round the university community, many of who have not visited since graduation.
“They were excited seeing so many changes, including infrastructure compared to when we were around.
“Some couldn’t even recognize the school again. But thank God we’re alive, not just to witness the development but to the part of the success story.”
Also reacting to the tour, Engr Austin Odoemene called on the management to be intentional about students’ accommodation to ensure adequate, conducive and affordable hostels in the university.
