The role of alumni associations in the development of their Alma mater and the society at large topped the agenda last Saturday as the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt/former Pro Chancellor OAU, Emeritus Professor SJS Cookey, received the President of the University of Ibadan (UIAA) Worldwide, Prof Gabriel Nyityo, in Port Harcourt.
The event, which was the new UIAA President’s first visit to the Rivers State branch, in the words of the state chairman, Amb Isaac George, coincides with a turning point in the life of the branch.
Emeritus Professor SJS Cookey, former vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and UI’s SUG President (1958), who turned 89 this year, noted the relevance of Alumni association in the lives of its members and of the Alma Mater.
He commended the new Alumni president on his initiative of ensuring state branches come on board, and urged executives at all levels provide a conducive environment for Alumni members to thrive/relate with.
UIAA President, Prof Gabriel Nyityo, who made the visit with the 1st Assistant Secretary, Chief Uchemadu Abosi, described the UIAA as the fastest growing alumni association of a tertiary institution in Nigeria.
Listing achievements, such as scholarships for students, the “magnificent guest house at the Alumni Centre, auditorium, the UIAA Trust Fund among others, Prof Nyityo said the UIAA is committed to positively impacting on the lives and well-being of its members, students of the university and the university at large.
UIAA’s 1st Assistant Secretary, Chief Uchemadu Abosi, urged the Rivers State Branch not to rest on their oars, but to re-double efforts towards retaining its position among the leading state branches.
Also present at the event in Port Harcourt, were the secretary of the state branch, Mr. Anele Abbey; legal adviser, Barr Sarah Emmanuel-Apia; publicity secretary, Kelechi Nwaucha; financial secretary, Mrs Christy Kalu, and Miss Gift Anyakudo, branch treasurer.