By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
OWERRI, IMO STATE — The University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) has officially ushered in a new era of executive leadership following its successful 112th National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and 28th National Convention , held from September 10th–13th 2026, at the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors’ Secretariat in Owerri. Centered on the theme, “Innovate, Empower, and Restore: Driving Sustainable Growth in a Challenging Landscape,” the four-day gathering brought together alumni leaders, academics, delegates, and dignitaries to chart a resilient path for both the association and their alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Arrival, Excursions & Media Outreach
Prior to the official opening ceremony, over 150 delegates from across the federation arrived on the evening of Thursday, September 10th, and immediately commenced early registrations.
On Friday, September 11, delegates embarked on a series of worthwhile activities, beginning with a guided sightseeing tour of the Shekinah British International School in Ihiagwa, Owerri, where the school management treated the delegates to a lavish breakfast. This was followed by a courtesy visit to the palace of HRM Eze Amb. Dr. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, who lavishly hosted and treated the visiting delegation to a grand lunch. The day’s engagements concluded with an engaging radio talk show on Zanders FM, featuring host and UNAA Owerri Branch President Louis M. Alozie, SAN, Global/National President Queen Dr. Mrs. Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, National Secretary *Maazi Chimaobi Nwabuko, and National Publicity Secretary Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah.
Opening Formalities, Chairman’s Charge & Leadership Addresses
The main proceedings commenced on Saturday, September 12th, with formal delegate registrations, opening prayers, the National Anthem, UNN Song, and traditional kola nut presentations.
Declaring the historic event open, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Ikechukwu N. S. Dozie (Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri) delivered a poignant charge emphasizing the pivotal role alumni play in projecting institutional growth and national advancement. He reminded Lions and Lionesses worldwide of their sacred duty to apply their knowledge, professional networks, and collective experiences to solve pressing societal challenges, strictly adhering to the founding philosophy and motto of the university: “To restore the dignity of man.”
Following the Chairman’s opening remarks, the host President of UNAA Owerri Branch, Louis M. Alozie, SAN, delivered the branch welcome address. Alozie highlighted local achievements, including the ongoing construction of the ₦553 million Alumni Centre in New Owerri (now at lintel level) and the successful donation of broadcast transmitters to UNN’s Mass Communication Department. Addressing national alumni affairs, he called on university management to implement the reconciliation templates established by peace committees, led by Hon. Justice Biobele Abraham George Will and Prof. Ukachukwu A. Awuzie, to resolve factionalization while also advocating for constitutional amendments and a review of the ALOHA awards criteria.
Immediately following the host’s welcome, outgoing Global/National President and Chief Host, Queen Dr. Mrs. Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, delivered her address to the assembly. Reflecting on her administration’s four-year tenure (2022–2026) under the mandate “LEARN • CONNECT • GROW • EXCEL,” she outlined key achievements, including the digitization of alumni processes via website development (https://www.unaanational.com), strengthened diaspora engagements with UNAA-UK and UNAA-USA, and impactful university projects such as the Zanders FM radio transmitter donation. She expressed gratitude to the Imo State Government for providing a safe, peaceful environment and charged all delegates and candidates to conduct the elections with sportsmanship, decorum, and unity.
Presence of Eminent Dignitaries & Goodwill Messages
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe* ; National Leader Barr. Chief Dr. Andrew Oru (represented by Mazi Kelechi Uloh); former IMSU VC Prof. U.A. Awuzie; former FUTO VC Prof. F.C. Eze; and ABC Transport PLC founder Mr. Frank Nneji, OON.
The high-profile gathering also drew other prominent statesmen, seasoned administrators, and inter-alumni leaders, including: Dr. Obinna Iwueke, Deputy Rector (Academics), Federal Polytechnic Nekede; Dr. Chibuzor Iwuagwu, former Head of Service (HOS), Imo State; Barr. Soronnadi Njoku, SAN, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo State; Surv. C.A.P. Anele, former Surveyor-General, Imo State; Dr. Anayo Uhiara, National Vice Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Universities Alumni (ANUA), South East, and Global President of the Global Imo State University Alumni Association (GIMSUGA)
Keynote Address: Scientific Leadership & Green Innovation
A major highlight of the NEC/Convention was the keynote lecture delivered by *Prof. Chinyere Ada Madu (Professor of Physics and Deputy Centre Leader, ACE-FUELS, FUTO) titled “Restoring Human Dignity: Scientific Leadership, Green Innovation, and the Alumni Advantage in a Complex Economy.”
Drawing from the historical origins of UNN’s founding motto in 1960 under Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Madu declared that the mandate “To Restore the Dignity of Man” is an optimistic combat directive to dismantle forces that diminish human potential. She noted that modern threats to human dignity manifest when graduates face an unpowered economy, businesses bleed profits running diesel generators, and young talents flee in droves through the “japa” syndrome.
Prof. Madu outlined a strategic roadmap focused on:
Scientific Leadership & Technological Sovereignty: Re-evaluating scientific leadership from mere academic paper publishing to building local technology that shields the nation from economic vulnerabilities, citing Stanford University’s role in birthing Silicon Valley.
Regional Green Synergy: Highlighting the collaboration between World Bank-backed research centers—FUTO’s ACE-FUELS (focusing on battery chemistry, organic solar cells, and protective coatings) and UNN’s ACE-SPED (specializing in power grid integration and energy policy), to solve regional energy poverty. She illustrated this with the story of a cassava-farming community whose income doubled and adult literacy thrived after replacing spoiled raw tubers with solar-powered processing microgrids.
The Triple-Helix Alumni Engine: Calling on UNAA’s global network to act as an active bridge between academia and industry. Citing models like MIT’s alumni venture grid, Stanford’s clean-tech pioneers (Tesla, D.light, Fervo Energy), Dr. Bosun Tijani’s CcHUB model in Yaba, and FUTO’s Enactus biofuel innovators, she urged alumni to transition from “passive supporters” to “active partners” by funding campus energy microgrids, providing seed capital, and commercializing university research.
The Guest Speaker afterwards was presented with a plaque in appreciation of an outstanding keynote presentation by the Global/National President.
Honouring Excellence & Legacy
The convention featured two dedicated award segments to honour outstanding contributions:
Special & ALOHA Awards:
– Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe (Rector, Federal Polytechnic Nekede) — “UNAA Lioness of Distinction” Award
– HRM Eze Amb. Dr. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu — UNAA Ambassador Award
Barr. Chief Justice Ike Mayor & Onye Ugochukwu Nkem — “UNAA Role Model” Awards
- Mazi Okey Njoku — “UNAA Beacon of Light” Award and Alumnus of High Achievement (ALOHA)
– Prof. U.A. Awuzie — Alumnus of High Achievement (ALOHA)
– Dr. Obinna Smart Unegbu — Alumnus of High Achievement (ALOHA)
- Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi — Alumna of High Achievement (ALOHA)
– Engr. Prof. N.A.A. Okereke — Alumna of High Achievement (ALOHA)
Remembrance: Tributes were paid to departed stalwarts, including late *Chief Dr. E. C. Iwuanyanwu (UNAA/OW/0001) and Prof. Sam Ojukwu, composer of the UNN Anthem.
Democratic Transition & Executive Election
Following the presentation of the End of Tenure Report and the NEC business session in the afternoon, the convention transitioned to its electoral process. Host President Louis M. Alozie, SAN, emerged as the newly elected Global/National President of UNAA, pledging to unify all factions and reposition the global body.
The newly elected National Executive Officers include:
Deputy National President: Dr. Henry Femi Ogunbamiwo
National Secretary: Maazi Chimaobi Nwabuko
Assistant National Secretary: Dr. Chuks Okafor
Zonal Vice Presidents: Engr. Ifeanyi Okoye (North Central), Mr. Phillip Obinna Udeh (North-East), Mrs. Theresa Modupe Ayilara (North West), Dr. Lady Nwomiko Udo-Nwokocha (South-East), Alhaji Oyedele Saka Ademola (South-West), Mr. Onyeka Egwuatu (South-South)
National Financial Secretary: Lady Tonia Uzor
National Treasurer: Mrs. Ugomma Onyenwe
National Internal Auditor: Mr. Lawrence Nwadigo
National Publicity Secretary: Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
National Legal Adviser: Ngozi Olehi, SAN
National Ex-Officio Members: Queen Dr. Linda U. Agua-Onyekwelu, Mr. Tony Chukwu, Elder (Comrade) Olakunle Afolabi, Hon. Dr. Christy Obi-Keguna, Dim Emeka Obasi
The landmark convention concluded with a grand Gala Night, celebrating a unified future dedicated to the timeless motto: “To Restore the Dignity of Man.”
