Dr.Ikechukwu Umeh elected as Unizik Alumni President after Successful Alumni Convention in Enugu (pictures)

Echezonam Ibezim Jk

3 days ago

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK) Alumni Association held a successful and impactful Global annual Alumni Convention at Enugu state, Nigeria where they elected new executive members that would pilot the affairs of the Association for the next 3-year tenure.

In a keenly contested election, Associate Professor Ikechukwu Umeh (PACENT) of Awka branch defeated his opponent Sir. Dozie Donat Okolo of Lagos Mainland branch to emerge the winner 🥇 and was Sworn in alongside other exco members same night by Barrister Obi Eregbuonye of Asaba branch.

Present at the convention were, Awka Branch, Lagos Mainland Branch, Lagos Island Branch, Lagos Amuwo Branch, Abuja branch, owerri branch, Onitsha branch, Nnewi Branch, Port Harcourt branch, Bayelsa branch and Ibadan branch of which each branch selected 18 delegates that voted in the election.

Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh receiving his certificate of return as the newly elected Unizik Global Alumni President in Enugu.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ifeanyi Benard Odoh, himself an alumnus of UNIZIK who was Present at the convention, emphasized that the relationship between alumni and their alma mater should be mutually beneficial. He noted that while alumni give back to strengthen the university, the institution should also provide valuable support and resources to its graduates.

L-R : Engr. Dr. Chigoziri Njoku (owerri), Prof. Odoh(VC), Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh, Prof. PVC Okoye, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu.

Opening the convention, he called for enhanced collaboration within the alumni body, particularly through improved networking and digitized alumni operations. Prof. Odoh assured the Alumni Association of his support and commended outgoing National President, Engr. Kingsley Nwafor, for his commendable achievements during his term.

Representing the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Samuel Ugwu, expressed appreciation to the alumni for hosting the convention in Enugu. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to education, noting that over 30 percent of the state’s budget is dedicated to this sector. He applauded UNIZIK for upholding high standards and encouraged alumni to work closely with Prof. Odoh in advancing the institution’s goals.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, represented by Prof. Pius Okoye, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at UNIZIK, spoke on the convention theme: “Innovation and Enterprise: The Role of Alumni Association Towards Digitization and Networking in the 21st Century.” He emphasized the importance of building a robust alumni network to foster innovation and enterprise, critical elements in the university’s journey toward digital transformation.

Outgoing Alumni President Engr. Kingsley Nwafor proudly outlined the association’s achievements under his leadership. These included the creation of additional alumni branches, including international chapters, and the initiation of an alumni secretariat as a central hub for graduates. He also established an alumni endowment database and expressed gratitude for the support received from the national executives, council members, and the university management, urging continued support for the new leadership.

The convention concluded with award presentations to prominent figures, including Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Mr. Innocent Nwosu, Ambassador Frank Anyajiofor, Chief Emaka Ezeonu, and Chief Okenna Aguneche. The ceremony also inducted Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Mr. Oseloka Ekwuno, and Mr. Victor Obineme into the UNIZIK Alumni Hall of Fame, marking a celebratory close to an inspiring gathering dedicated to the university’s future.

– Co-written by By Gabriel Chy Alonta

Some images below :