The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Alumni Association has held a colloquium to commemorate the second edition of the university’s Founders’ Day.
In his opening remarks, the President of the MOUAU Alumni Association, Dr. Obasi Igwe Oscar, emphasized the vital role alumni play in advancing the university system. He described alumni as lifelong stakeholders and powerful agents of change, whose contributions extend far beyond their years on campus.
Dr. Obasi underscored the importance of giving back to the institution, noting both financial and non-financial contributions. He highlighted the impact of alumni in building infrastructure, funding scholarships, and supporting innovative research initiatives. He also acknowledged the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, and assured the university community of continued alumni support toward the institution’s growth.
The Alumni President announced that the ongoing construction of a lecture theatre, sponsored by the Alumni Association, is progressing and will be handed over to the university on completion. He called for deeper engagement with alumni networks, stressing that alumni are not merely supporters but strategic partners in development.
Dr. Obasi, Igwe Oscar General President, MOUAU Alumni Association
Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, represented by Prof. Chukwuma O. Offor, charged the Alumni Association to continually uphold and protect the integrity of the university. He emphasized that alumni would be held accountable for the institution’s future, encouraging them to act as guardians of its values.
Prof. Offor described the colloquium, themed “The Place of Alumni Associations in the Development of the University System”, as timely.
He thanked the alumni for justifying the trust placed in them and urged them to reject anything that could damage the university’s reputation, regardless of who is involved.
Earlier, Dr. Smar O. Nwokorie, an alumnus of the institution, outlined the various roles of alumni, including networking, mentorship, fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement. He proposed the establishment of a MOUAU Community Relations Unit to bridge the gap between the university and its host community. He suggested that this initiative be co-managed by alumni and the university’s administrative staff.
Other notable speakers at the event included Prof. Joseph Onwumere and Eld Engr Okechukwu Idika, who shared insights on strengthening alumni relations and contributing to institutional development.
Contributing to the discussion, the Secretary of the MOUAU Alumni Association, Dr. Chukwudi Njoku, affirmed the association’s role as a bridge between the university’s past achievements and future aspirations.
“As we look to the future, let us work together—alumni, staff, and students—to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and competitive university system,” he said.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Umuahia Chapter of the MOUAU Alumni Association, Dr. Onyekachi Uwalaka, the Chairman of Abakaliki Chapter, Dr. Uchenna Uwadi, the Chairman of Aba Chapter, Mr. Eleanya Ume and the Secretary of Owerri Chapter, Mr. Nwachukwu Ubadire Kingsley, expressed gratitude to the university management, led by Prof. Iwe, for the trust and confidence reposed in the alumni.
They pledged to support the national body and to continually project the university’s image positively on a global scale.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the MOUAU Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter, Comrade Stephen Okike, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, national executives, and chapter officers who graced the event. He assured the gathering that the association would continue to deploy all resources at its disposal to ensure the continued advancement of the university.
The event also featured special awards presented to distinguished alumni professors who were first degree products of the university viz: Prof. Princewill C. Ogbonna, Prof. Dozie Ndubuisi Onunkwo, Prof. Joseph Onwumere, Prof. Onyema Uchechi Mercy Obike, Prof. Onwuchekwa Raphael Iheke, Prof Kelechi Chima Igwe and Prof. Chioma Nwakanma
