The National Executive Council (NEC) of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, at its 111th meeting held on 6 June 2026 in Sapele, Delta State, reviewed issues of institutional development, student welfare, national security, and civic responsibility.
Following deliberations on a keynote presentation on the strategic role of alumni associations in strengthening university brands and reputations, as well as other matters of national and institutional importance, Council issued the following communiqué outlining its observations, resolutions, and recommendations:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 111TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) HELD AT TM RICHARDS CONTINENTAL HOTEL,
SAPELE, DELTA STATE, ON SATURDAY, 6TH JUNE 2026
The 111th meeting of the National Executive Council of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association held at TM Richards Continental Hotel, Sapele, Delta State, on Saturday, 6th June 2026. The meeting was presided over by the National President, Queen Linda AguaOnyekwelu, Ph.D. Rt. Hon. Chief Monday Ovwigho Igbuya, two-term Chairman of Sapele
Local Government Area, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and current Delta State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, chaired the opening ceremony.
The keynote address, titled “Strengthening University Brands and Reputations: The Strategic Roles of Alumni Associations,” was delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Eravweroso Congrat Odiete, Provost Delta State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ufuoma-Ughelli, Delta State.
In her presentation, Dr. Odiete noted that university brands are assessed by the quality and number of graduates produced, institutional integrity, visibility of achievements, and the commitment of alumni associations. She further stated that public trust, adherence to ethical
standards, compliance with professional benchmarks, and accreditation status are critical metrics for evaluating university brands.
On the strategic roles of alumni associations, she highlighted the following:
1. Brand Ambassadors: Alumni represent their Alma Maters globally. Their successes enhance the institutions’ reputations, while their failures diminish them
2. Mentorship: Alumni associations provide guidance to students and graduates who may possess certificates but lack practical understanding of their fields.
3. Internship Facilitation: Alumni associations create opportunities for students to gain industry experience through internships and industrial attachments.
4. Entrepreneurship Support: Given limited paid employment opportunities, alumni
associations assist graduates with business mentorship, start-up funding, and market access.
5. Development Partners: Strong alumni bodies support institutional growth through
donations for lecture halls, libraries, research grants, classroom renovations, and other capital projects.
After extensive deliberations on the keynote address and other matters on the agenda, the National Executive Council resolved as follows:
1. Commendation of the University of Nigeria on Global Ranking Achievement:
Council congratulates the University of Nigeria on emerging as Nigeria’s 2nd best university in the 2026 Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR) Global 2000 List, noting that this achievement, coming within a year of other notable international rankings, further reinforces the University’s reputation as one of Africa’s most respected institutions of higher learning competitiveness of its graduates, the institution’s commitment to research, innovation, and international standards, and stands as a proud moment for students, staff, alumni, and the entire University community.
2. Deplorable State of Student Hostels: Council strongly condemns the deplorable and unacceptable condition of student hostels at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Enugu campuses, as highlighted in recent viral videos. Council demands that the University authorities take immediate and decisive action to address this situation across both campuses in order to restore the dignity, safety, and confidence of students and the public.
3. Protection of Student Whistleblowers: Council condemns, in the strongest terms, a video circulating on social media in which threats were issued against students who exposed the deplorable condition of student hostels at the Nsukka and Enugu campuses. Council insists that no harm or victimization shall befall these students and affirms that the University has a duty to protect the lives, safety, and property of all students within its campuses.
4. National Security: Council notes the Federal Government of Nigeria’s recent strategic changes in military command, which have yielded measurable gains in the fight against insurgency. Council urges sustained and intensified efforts until lasting peace and security are fully restored nationwide.
5. Civic Participation in 2027 General Elections: Council encourages all Nigerians,particularly alumni of the University of Nigeria, to participate actively in the 2027 general elections. Members are urged to discharge their civic responsibilities by electing credible leaders
with proven capacity to address corruption, insecurity, and governance challenge.
Signed:
Queen Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, Ph.D
National President
Mr. Tony Chukwu
National Secretary
