Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has extolled the Alumni Association of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State for initiating a 1,000-seater capacity lecture theatre project in the institution.
The president of the union, Victor Osodeke, stated this at the 2nd Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series and 30th anniversary/founders’ day of the university, near Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
He decried the deplorable state of government universities in the country and advocated an improved welfare package for the students and a well-equipped system to enhance teaching and learning among others.
In his remarks, the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, underscored the role of alumni associations in the development of universities and the education system.
He expressed worry that the myriad of problems facing the country were also having negative effects on the university system and called on everyone to contribute to keep the university afloat.
Iwe thanked the global president of the association, Oscar Obasi and the members for embarking on the project and for their desire to enhance the aesthetic and learning in the federal university.
In his keynote address, the university’s Diaspora Alumni coordinator, Dennis Ikpe, said the university had witnessed unwavering growth transformation and contributed to the academic horizon of the country.
Speaking virtually on the theme of the event: “The role of Alumni Associations in the Development of the University system”, he applauded Iwe and the association for the rapid development of the university.
In his comment, Obasi, who is a member of the governing council of the university, applauded members of the association for embarking on the project and expressed the hope that it would soon be completed.
Similarly, the regional manager, Access Bank Plc, Okechukwu Ehiemere expressed joy that members of the association are making waves across the globe which he attributed to the university’s educational system.
In their goodwill messages, the global secretary and Umuahia chapter chairman of the association, Chukwudi Njoku and Onyekachi Uwalaka respectively, assured of their commitments to its unity and success.
