… Reaffirm commitment to educational advancement, student welfare, and national progress
By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
The serene city of Sapele in Delta State became a melting pot of intellectual discourse, strategic planning, and patriotic reflection as the University of Nigeria Alumni Association convened the 111th meeting of its National Executive Council from 4 to 7 June 2026.
Hosted at the prestigious TM Richards Continental Hotel, the four-day gathering brought together distinguished alumni of the University of Nigeria from across Nigeria under the leadership of the National President, Queen Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, Ph.D, to deliberate on issues affecting the Association, the University of Nigeria, and the nation at large.
The meeting commenced on Thursday, 4 June, with the arrival of delegates and a meeting session of Management that set the tone for robust engagements. Discussions centered on the future of the Association, emerging challenges within the University system, and the role of alumni in national development.
On Friday, Council members paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Bright Abeke. Although the Chairman was unavoidably absent, the delegation was warmly received by his representative, Rev. Dr. Stanley O. Akogba, Executive Recorder of Sapele Local Government Council.
The high point of the gathering came on Saturday, 6 June, when the NEC meeting was formally declared open. The opening ceremony was chaired by Rt. Hon. Chief Monday Ovwigho Igbuya, respected statesman, 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.
A major intellectual highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Eravweroso Congrat Odiete, Provost of Delta State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ufuoma-Ughelli, Delta State. Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening University Brands and Reputations: The Strategic Roles of Alumni Associations,” Dr. Odiete underscored the indispensable contributions alumni bodies make toward institutional growth and global recognition.
According to her, the reputation of any university is measured not only by academic excellence but also by the quality of graduates it produces, the visibility of its achievements, its ethical standards, accreditation status, and the strength of its alumni network.
She described alumni as powerful brand ambassadors whose achievements across the globe directly influence public perception of their alma mater. She further emphasized the importance of mentorship, internship opportunities, entrepreneurial support, and infrastructural contributions, noting that vibrant alumni associations remain critical partners in the sustainable development of tertiary institutions.
Following extensive deliberations on the keynote address and other matters before Council, members adopted far-reaching resolutions aimed at advancing both institutional and national interests.
Council specially congratulated the University of Nigeria administration for having recorded another landmark achievement on the global academic stage, emerging as the 2nd Best University in Nigeria in the 2026 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) Global 2000 List released on June 1, 2026. Ranked among only five Nigerian universities that made the prestigious global list from over 21,000 institutions evaluated worldwide, the University of Nigeria continues to demonstrate excellence in quality education, graduate employability, research output, and academic influence.
This remarkable feat, complemented by the University’s strong performance in the Times Higher Education (THE), Webometrics, and AD Scientific Index rankings, underscores its growing international reputation and commitment to research, innovation, and world-class academic standards.
Council strongly condemned the deteriorating condition of student hostels at the University of Nigeria’s Nsukka and Enugu campuses. Reacting to recent videos that highlighted the state of the facilities, Council described the situation as unacceptable and called on University authorities to take immediate and decisive steps to restore decent living conditions for students.
Council further condemned, in the strongest terms, a video circulating on social media in which threats were issued against students who exposed the deteriorating condition of student hostels at the Nsukka and Enugu campuses of the University of Nigeria, insisting that no harm or victimization should befall those students and affirmed that the University has a duty to protect the lives, safety, and property of all students within its campuses.
Council also addressed national security. Members noted the Federal Government of Nigeria’s recent strategic adjustments within the military leadership, acknowledging the positive impact such measures have had on ongoing efforts to combat insecurity. However, Council stressed the need for sustained commitment until peace and stability are fully restored across the country.
In a demonstration of civic responsibility, Council urged Nigerians, particularly alumni of the University of Nigeria, to actively participate in the 2027 general elections. Members were encouraged to support and elect credible leaders capable of confronting corruption, insecurity, and governance challenges.
As delegates departed Sapele on Sunday, 7 June, the atmosphere was one of renewed purpose and optimism. The resolutions reached and the conversations held during the 111th meeting of NEC reaffirmed the University of Nigeria Alumni Association’s enduring commitment to educational excellence, institutional transformation, and national development.
Beyond policy discussions and ceremonial engagements, the gathering served as a reminder that alumni associations remain vital stakeholders in shaping the future of higher education and strengthening the foundations of a prosperous society.
Indeed, from the classrooms of Nsukka to the corridors of leadership across Nigeria and beyond, the University of Nigeria Alumni Association continues to champion the ideals of service, excellence, and responsible nation-building.
