The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association says it is determined to reduce the burden experienced by members in procuring academic transcripts for post graduate studies and other multiple purposes.

To this end, the association has set up a three man committee to interface with members, within and outside the country, with a view to mobilising funds for the construction of the Association’s Alumni Centre.

The committee has the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ono Akpe, as chairman. Other members are Engineers Wilson Aggrey and Sidi Mohammed.

Inaugurating the committee in the course of the National Executive Council meeting of the Association in Port Harcourt, the National President of the Association, High Chief Chris Adokeme, urged members to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure the success of their assignment. Adokeme, a lawyer, and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, described the Alumni Centre project as the most important singular project of the Association.

He noted that as a body which has produced a former President of Nigeria, as well as governors and federal ministers, among others, “the task facing the committee is doable despite its daunting nature.”

Expressing confidence in the ability of the committee to deliver, the National President called on its members to comb all the “nooks and crannies of the globe, in search of committed members who are able and willing to make their alma mater proud.” He told them not to shy away from organising fund raising events that could assist in achieving the target of the Association. He specifically mentioned the launch of a compendium of prominent alumni of the UniPort.

The Alumni Centre will house the Exams and Records Department of the university, the permanent National Secretariat, an auditorium, as well as conference halls, and accommodation for visiting members and guests.