The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, is putting plans in place to build a befitting alumni resource centre for effective networking and mobilisation of both human and material resources of its past students in order to re-position the institution.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, disclosed this in Awka yesterday during a courtesy visit by the university’s alumni association, Awka branch.

Prof. Ahaneku described the university as one of the legacies of the hero of Nigerian independence struggle, the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. He called on people and governments of the South East to come to the aid of the institution, the way the Zik of Africa rescued Nigeria from the clutches of colonial rule.

Prof. Ahaneku urged the alumni association to be more visible in the activities of the institution, as management is set to partner with its former students who are genuinely interested in working for the progress of the university.

Responding, the branch chairman of the alumni association, Mr. Bona Oraekwe, noted that university education in the country would greatly improve if university authorities could develop strategic plans of incorporating alumni associations into the management of the institutions.

He expressed regret that most universities in the country concentrate efforts on building international linkages with institutions and individuals abroad, thereby neglecting their own products who have excelled in various fields of endeavour.

Oraekwe charged university authorities to engage in proper networking and mobilisation of resources from their past students for the development of the institutions, and expressed hope that such persons would be more committed to the development of their alma-mata.

On his part, an alumnus of the institution, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu, eulogised the new vice-chancellor for organising one of the most successful post-UTME screening exercises devoid of any form of malpractice.

According to Ezeonu, the screening exercise was the first major assignment which the VC discharged very creditably.

He urged the present administration to sustain the effort towards transforming the institution to enable it take its pride of place in the nation’s education system.

•Photo shows UNIZIK VC, Prof. Ahaneku.

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